Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that a nation and its future generations cannot develop in a healthy manner without access to wholesome and constructive entertainment.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the Second Division Cricket League at Barishal Outer Stadium on Monday.
The minister said that this was why former President Ziaur Rahman had established the Ministry of Youth and Sports, recognizing the importance of state support in nurturing the younger generation.
He added that Bangladesh’s achievements in international cricket might not have been possible without such institutional backing.
Criticizing previous administrations, the minister alleged that those in power had focused more on misappropriation than on development. “These are our children. It is the responsibility of the state, society and government to support both their education and extracurricular activities,” he said.
He further said that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, now three months into office, has prioritized sports and culture. “We aim to take sports to a level where players are encouraged to pursue it as a profession. Our goal is to develop the sporting sector into a source of healthy entertainment,” he added.
Officials from the local administration, former cricketers and players were present at the event.
The Second Division Cricket League has resumed at the Barishal Outer Stadium after a gap of 12 years. A total of 20 teams, divided into eight groups, are participating in this year’s competition.
