Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Saturday said that students should remain actively engaged in both sports and academic studies throughout the year, emphasizing that such involvement helps develop intellect, discipline, and a healthy mindset.
He added that the future generation would elevate the nation’s presence on the global stage.
He made these remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the “Notun Kuri Sports” event, organised by the district administration at Chandpur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The minister stated that late President Ziaur Rahman had initiated the Notun Kuri cultural programme nationwide, through which many talented individuals emerged. He further noted that the initiative has now been expanded into sports under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aiming to identify and nurture talent across the country.
“We have not yet secured our rightful position in global sports. With this vision, the prime minister has taken this initiative so that in the future our children can compete at the international level and bring pride to the nation,” he said.
He also expressed concern over what he described as past moral and social decline among the youth, including increasing involvement in drug abuse, and said that previous efforts were not sufficient to address the issue. He added that the current initiative aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle among young people through sports.
The minister further said that the Ministry of Education has already incorporated sports activities at the primary, secondary, college, and university levels, and this programme would continue to be expanded.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Nahar presided over the programme. Special guests included Chandpur-3 MP Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Chandpur-4 MP MA Hannan, and Chandpur-5 MP Engineer Mominul Haque.