BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. File Photo

DHAKA, June 21, 2026 (BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development and 
Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed deep shock 
and sorrow at the death of sports legend Abdus Sadeque, the first captain of 
the Bangladesh National Hockey Team, renowned sports organizer and recipient 
of the National Sports Award.

In a condolence message, the minister described Abdus Sadeque as a shining 
star of Bangladesh's sporting arena whose outstanding achievements as a 
hockey player, leadership of the national team, success as a coach and 
visionary role as a sports organiser would be remembered forever in the 
country's sports history.

Fakhrul, also secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), 
said Abdus Sadeque's contributions played a significant role in introducing 
Bangladesh hockey to the international arena and advancing the development of 
the sport.

Sadeque's tireless efforts in promoting sports and strengthening sporting 
institutions in the country would continue to inspire future generations, he 
said, adding, "With his passing, the nation has lost a true guardian of 
sports."

Mirza Fakhrul prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his 
heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members, relatives, admirers and 
all members of the sporting community.

Abdus Sadeque breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a city hospital 
today at the age of 80.

With his demise, the country's sports arena has lost a dedicated sports 
organiser, said a press release of Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA).