Photo: BSS

BAGERHAT, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Dr Shaikh Faridul Islam has said sports can play a vital role in keeping young people physically and mentally healthy and away from drugs and crime.

"To engage young people in sports, regular competitions should be organized. Football and other sports help develop discipline, friendship and leadership among the youth. There is no alternative to sports for building a healthy and beautiful society," he said.

The state minister made the remarks while attending as chief guest the final match and prize-giving ceremony of the Raripara Union World Cup Football Tournament-2026 at Goalamath Football Ground in Raripara Union, Kachua upazila, this afternoon.

In the final, Ward No. 9 defeated Ward No. 2 by 1-0 to clinch the championship. Soyeb Chowdhury, Gawsul Azam and Selim Reza officiated the match.

Bagerhat District Council Administrator Barrister Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain, Bagerhat District BNP member Khan Monirul Islam, Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ali Hasan, Kachua Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Al Mamun, Kachua Upazila BNP President Sardar Zahid and General Secretary SM Touhidul Islam, among others, attended the event.

After the match, the state minister handed over prizes to members of the winning team.

Sports can keep youth away from drugs and crime: Shaikh Faridul

BAGERHAT, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Dr Shaikh Faridul Islam has said sports can play a vital role in keeping young people physically and mentally healthy and away from drugs and crime.

"To engage young people in sports, regular competitions should be organized. Football and other sports help develop discipline, friendship and leadership among the youth. There is no alternative to sports for building a healthy and beautiful society," he said.

The state minister made the remarks while attending as chief guest the final match and prize-giving ceremony of the Raripara Union World Cup Football Tournament-2026 at Goalamath Football Ground in Raripara Union, Kachua upazila, this afternoon.

In the final, Ward No. 9 defeated Ward No. 2 by 1-0 to clinch the championship. Soyeb Chowdhury, Gawsul Azam and Selim Reza officiated the match.

Bagerhat District Council Administrator Barrister Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain, Bagerhat District BNP member Khan Monirul Islam, Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ali Hasan, Kachua Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Al Mamun, Kachua Upazila BNP President Sardar Zahid and General Secretary SM Touhidul Islam, among others, attended the event.

After the match, the state minister handed over prizes to members of the winning team.