Government plans to build 1,000 sports grounds

The government has planned to build 1,000 new sports grounds across the country to revitalize the national sports sector, keep young people away from drug addiction, and establish sports as a profession.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu disclosed the plan while briefing journalists on Saturday, after inspecting Lalmonirhat Stadium.

The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had already issued several directives to overcome the long-standing stagnation in Bangladesh’s sports sector. As part of these initiatives, the government has undertaken a plan to develop sports grounds from rural areas to cities.

He said that, due to a prolonged shortage of playgrounds, some young people had become involved in drug addiction. He expressed hope that constructing new sports grounds would help bring them back to sports and keep them away from drugs.

The Relief Minister also announced that the Prime Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament would be relaunched under the Prime Minister’s initiative. Plans are also in place to continue the tournament regularly. He expressed hope that the initiative would increase young people’s participation in sports and generate greater enthusiasm for athletic activities.

He further said that a decision was being taken to construct stadiums in upazilas where such facilities had not yet been built.

Speaking about establishing sports as a profession, the minister said that developing talented athletes must be prioritized to fulfill the vision outlined by the Prime Minister. He added that with proper attention and support for sports, Bangladeshi athletes would have greater opportunities to develop their talents and showcase their abilities at national and international levels.

Among those present were Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Md Asaduzzaman; District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque; Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Rasel Mia; Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mononita Das; District Sports Officer Md Kamruzzaman; as well as students, guardians, and political leaders.