Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today addressed a closing ceremony of a football tournament held in Feni's Sonagazi upazila. Photo: BSS

 
FENI, June 1, 2026 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister 
Abdul Awal Mintoo today said there is no alternative to sports and cultural 
activities in controlling drug abuse and juvenile gang culture.

"Drug abuse and juvenile gang culture have become problems across the 
country. The previous government had corrupted society in many ways, and 
overcoming this situation requires the active involvement of parents, 
teachers, and community leaders," he said.

He was addressing the closing ceremony of a football tournament organised by 
Angels Club at the field of Nawabpur BC Laha High School and College in 
Sonagazi upazila of the district.

Mintoo said the current government has launched the Notun Kuri Sports 
Programme to encourage young people to participate in sports and cultural 
activities. 

Through this initiative, children and adolescents will experience both 
psychological and physical development, he hoped. 

He said alongside academic studies, educational institutions should motivate 
students to engage in sports and cultural activities and provide them with 
moral education.

Former President of Angels Club and Nawabpur Union Parishad Chairman Zahirul 
Alam Zahir chaired the event while local leaders of BNP and its associate 
bodies, dignitaries and sports personalities were present.
 
A total of 14 teams from different parts of the district participated in the 
tournament.

Thousands of spectators from surrounding areas attended and enjoyed the final 
match as Biye Bari Sherwani became champion defeating Tulatuli XI by 4-3 
goals in the tiebreakers.