Whip Rakibul Islam Bakul urges students to balance sports and academics at Khulna events today. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 12, 2026 (BSS) - National Parliament Whip and lawmaker of Khulna-3 constituency Rakibul Islam Bakul today stressed that sports are essential for maintaining both physical fitness and mental well-being alongside academic pursuits, urging students not to limit themselves to textbooks.

"They must contribute to all sectors of the country through the proper development of their intellect and talents," he said while addressing the annual sports competition and prize distribution ceremony of Khulna Government Women's College as the chief guest on Saturday afternoon.

The programme was held on the college premises in Boyra area of Khulna with Principal Professor Md. Saifur Rahman in the chair.

Calling upon students to prepare themselves for future leadership, Bakul said the young generation must move forward with knowledge and wisdom to uphold the pride and reputation of Khulna and the entire southwestern region.

Highlighting the importance of infrastructural development in educational institutions, he described Khulna Government Women's College as one of the country's leading centres of learning.

The whip assured that overall development initiatives, including construction of a new academic building, modernization of the campus and expansion of hostel facilities, would be implemented in a planned manner.

He further said that construction work would begin soon, based on modern and aesthetic designs prepared by an expert team from the Khulna University.

The programme also included an interactive session, where the whip exchanged views with students from different departments. He listened to their academic concerns and grievances and assured prompt measures to address them.

Later, he distributed prizes among the winners of various sports events.

Among others, Principal of Government B L College Saiful Islam, Vice-Principal Professor Md. Abdul Gaffar, Teachers' Council Secretary Professor Md. Rezaul Karim, Professor Sheikh Irene Mujib and Professor Md. Rabiul Islam also spoke on the occasion.

Later, Bakul attended another annual sports and prize distribution ceremony at Zia Secondary School as the chief guest, where he delivered guidelines to students.