Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday called for more private sector patronization of sports and culture to supplement government efforts.
“I believe that in cultural practices and sports private sector patronization is necessary along with the government efforts for their development,” she said while addressing a program to mark the 74th birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Sheikh Hasina said without private patronization it is not possible to enrich culture and sports.
She said mini stadiums are being built in every upazila to make young boys and girls of the country more interested in sports.
The prime minister said the nation will always remember the contribution of Sheikh Kamal to the sports sector of Bangladesh.
She said Kamal was involved in various sports like football, cricket, badminton and hockey.
“Sheikh Kamal especially contributed to the excellence of the country's football,” she said.
The prime minister said Kamal, her brother, was also involved in various cultural activities.
Mentioning that Kamal formed the Spandan Band group, she said her brother popularized various folk songs of the country through the use of modern instruments like the electric organ.
Referring to Kamal's skills in acting, she said he used to act well in drama.
She mentioned that Kamal's organizational skill was also very strong.
“But he did not have the desire to be a leader,” she added.
Stating that Sheikh Kamal had a sense of responsibility from his childhood, Sheikh Hasina said her brother was a versatile talent.
“… if Sheikh Kamal were alive today, maybe I would not have to take such big responsibilities,” the prime minister said.
She said local players are moving ahead with limited facilities and bringing glory and reputation to Bangladesh.
She hoped that the private sector would stay beside the country’s sports and cultural sector.
Sheikh Hasina said her government has been organizing football tournaments at primary school, college and university levels alongside other sports competitions and taking local games forward.
She asked the private sector to find local talents and patronize them.
“You will see that they will pull Bangladesh ahead and boost the reputation of the country,” she said.
The prime minister also unveiled the cover of a book titled “Sheikh Kamal: Khanajonma Ek Nakhkhatra.”
She also distributed the Bangabandhu Sports Scholarship at the ceremony.
The scholarship is being given by the Bangabandhu Krirashebi Kalyan Foundation for the fiscal year 2023–24.
A total of 500 students are getting this scholarship, where students of grades 5-10 will get Tk12,000 annually – Tk1,000 each month, while college and undergraduate students will get Tk24,000 annually – Tk2,000 each month.
At the same program she also handed over the prestigious Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council (NSC) Award 2023 to 10 sports personalities and two organizations in eight categories in recognition of outstanding contribution to sports.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel presided over the program.
