Photo: BSS

JHENAIDAH, Aug 8, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque today said the government is working to build a drug-free and healthy society through sports.

"We want to build a healthy nation and a drug-free society through sports. We want to restore our ethics, moral values and social values through sports," he said.

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the prize-giving ceremony of the final match of the Jhenaidah District Council Gold Cup Football Tournament-2026 at Bir Shreshtha Hamidur Rahman Stadium here this afternoon.

"Sports should be established not only as a means of entertainment but also as a profession. This would help keep the young generation away from drugs and various forms of social degradation," he said.

He called upon all to work together, irrespective of political affiliation, to achieve this goal.

Highlighting the plan to develop players from the grassroots level, the state minister said initiatives are underway to establish sports as a profession and identify the talents of adolescents.

He added that activities have begun with a target of building one playground in each of the country's 4,599 unions.

Aminul Haque said an initiative has been taken to construct international standard sports villages in 10 districts across the country in this current fiscal year. 

He said, one of them is planned to be built in Jhenaidah and the existing stadium in the district will be transformed into a modern stadium with a full-fledged gallery.

He also added that there are currently 22 swimming pools in 22 districts of the country and the govt is planning to construct a swimming pool in each of the 64 districts in phases. 

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Prime Minister's Political Assistant Md Rashed Khan and Jhenaidah District BNP General Secretary Md Zahiduzzaman Mona also spoke at the programme.

Jhenaidah District Council Administrator and District BNP President Md Abdul Majid presided over the programme.