State Minister for Youth and Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Council Md Aminul Haque addressed a discussion virtually arranged in observance of the National and International Sports Day- 2026. Photo: BSS

RANGPUR April 6, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Youth and Sports and 
Chairman of the National Sports Council Md Aminul Haque has said the role of 
sports in building a drug-free and healthy society is immense.
 
"In addition to increasing physical fitness, also build strong bridges 
between people," he said.
 
Aminul Haque was addressing a discussion virtually arranged in observance of 
the National and International Sports Day- 2026 with the theme "Sports will 
be a profession, family will get confidence" at the Deputy Commissioner's 
conference room on Monday as the chief guest. 
 
The Rangpur district administration and District Sports Office jointly 
organised the programme with Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md 
Ramiz Alam in the chair. 
 
The State Minister said that there is no alternative to sports to protect the 
young generation from misguidance. 
 
"For this, the present sports-friendly government has already taken 
initiatives to free playgrounds from encroachment and create new fields.

In addition, the government has provided monthly allowance and sports cards 
to 129 athletes," he said.
 
The information of 500 more athletes is being verified under this programme. 
 
The State Minister said that on the initiative of Prime Minister Tarique 
Rahman, the 'Natun Kuri Sports' programme will be launched with the 
participation of youth aged 12 to 14 years at the district and upazila levels 
in seven events to explore talent from the grassroots level. 
 
He said, "Sport is a platform where there is no division. Sport is a symbol 
of national unity. I request all concerned to establish a politics-free 
sports arena to showcase Bangladesh on the world stage." 
 
The State Minister also called on everyone to unite and build a sports-
friendly country regardless of party or opinion. 
 
Government officials, representatives of various sports organisations, 
teachers and students were present at the event. 
 
Earlier to mark the day, a colorful rally started from the Deputy 
Commissioner's Office and circled the main roads of the city before ending at 
the same place.