IU hosts national athletics meet

Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia on Monday launched a three-day inter-university athletics and basketball championship with participation from 21 universities across the country.

Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque inaugurated the event as chief guest at the central cricket field at 4:00pm. The competition will run from May 4 to May 6.

IU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah chaired the opening ceremony. Administrators of Kushtia and Jhenaidah district councils attended as guests of honour, while Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Yeaqub Ali and Treasurer Prof Dr Jahangir Alam joined as special guests.

In his speech, the minister said sports can help steer young people away from political unrest and social challenges.

He said the government has already provided sports cards to 300 national athletes, giving them professional recognition, and plans to bring 500 athletes under the allowance scheme.

He also stressed the need to build a drug-free society and keep the younger generation away from excessive device use, saying sports offer the most effective solution.

Athletics events marked the opening day, followed by cultural performances by local Lalon artistes and IU students.