Government Working to Build a Healthy, Humane and Drug-Free Nation: State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque

Photo: CNI

Pabna Correspondent: State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has said that the rapid spread of drug abuse is leading many young people astray, stressing that expanding sports is essential to protecting the country's youth.

Speaking as the chief guest at the final of the Deputy Commissioner's Gold Cup Football Tournament at Shaheed Advocate Amin Uddin Stadium in Pabna on Friday (July 17), Aminul said the government is working to build a healthy, humane, and drug-free Bangladesh through the promotion of sports.

"The country's youth are increasingly being affected by the menace of drugs. We want young people to develop themselves through sports. Our goal is to build a humane and drug-free Bangladesh regardless of political affiliation," he said.

The state minister added that Bangladesh's sporting sector has been making steady progress, noting that the enthusiastic turnout of spectators at the tournament reflected growing public interest. He said the government is giving the highest priority to sports development and is working to strengthen Bangladesh's position in international sports.

Aminul also said the government aims to establish sports as a respected profession rather than merely a form of entertainment.

"Many parents still dream of seeing their children become doctors, engineers, or barristers. We want every family to also dream of raising a successful athlete," he said.

He further highlighted the "Notun Kuri Sports" programme, which engages children aged 12 to 14 in sports activities. According to him, the initiative aims to nurture a healthy, thoughtful, compassionate, and disciplined generation, emphasizing that there is no alternative to sports in achieving that goal.

The event was chaired by Pabna Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam. Among the special guests were Pabna-5 MP and labour leader Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Pabna-4 MP Abu Taleb Mondal, Pabna-2 MP Selim Reza Habib, Reserved Seat MP Advocate Arifa Sultana Rumj, Pabna District BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib, Pabna Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tamara Tasbiha, and Pabna District Sports Association Member Secretary Md. Masud Rana. Representatives from various social, political, and media organizations were also present.