Sports can steer youth away from drugs, gambling: Dulu
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today said sports can help steer young people away from harmful activities such as drug abuse and gambling and contribute to building a better society.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the Deputy Commissioner's Alokita Kishore Gold Cup Football Tournament-2026 at Lalmonirhat District Stadium on Saturday afternoon, according to a PID press release.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque attended the event as the special guest, while Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Prodhan presided over the ceremony.
In the final match, Bashundhara Krira Chakra defeated Nababer Hat Adarsha Club 1-0 to clinch the title.
Dulu said sports has almost disappeared from Lalmonirhat during the previous government, but the sporting environment has improved with the support of the present government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He credited the government's commitment and the efforts of the State Minister for Youth and Sports for organising various sporting competitions across the country.
Addressing the young players, he said the talent they developed through sports should be nurtured alongside their academic studies.
He also stressed the need to protect young people from drug abuse and gambling, describing these as major obstacles to a healthy and prosperous society.
He pledged continued government support for building an 'enlightened' Lalmonirhat.
Speaking as the special guest, State Minister Md Aminul Haque said football should be promoted across the country.
"Adolescence is the ideal age for football. If young players in this age group are nurtured properly, it will strengthen the talent pipeline for the nation's football," he said.
He urged the authorities concerned to organise similar tournaments in other districts.
Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Md Asaduzzaman, District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque, officials, guardians, students and political leaders were present at the event.
