The Ministry of Youth and Sports has extended financial assistance to promising cricketer Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, who is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Sunday handed over a cheque for Tk5 lakh to Hridoy's father, Abul Kashem, at the Jubo Bhaban in Motijheel, Dhaka.
The ministry's Public Relations Officer Md Nur Alam disclosed the information in a press release.
Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony, the state minister said the government took swift action after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman learned of Hridoy's condition through a video circulating on social media and directed the authorities to provide immediate support.
Following the prime minister's instruction, the ministry stepped in to assist the young cricketer with his treatment, Aminul said, adding that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had also arranged the necessary support.
"The Ministry of Youth and Sports will continue to stand by Hridoy until he fully recovers," he said, wishing the cricketer a speedy recovery.
Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-ul-Alam said standing beside athletes during times of illness is one of the ministry's key responsibilities.
"Today's grant is a symbolic gesture. The ministry will continue to provide humanitarian assistance whenever athletes across the country face hardship," he said.