Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP inaugrated the opening ceremony of the Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament this morning at rajshahi. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 8, 2026 (BSS)- Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, said there is 
no alternative to sports to keep the youth away from drugs, teen gangs, and 
various antisocial activities. 

He said regular sports play an important role in developing discipline, self-
confidence, and mental growth among young people.
 
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 
Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament this morning at the Sindur Kusumbi 
Shialber Government Primary School field in Paba upazila of the district.
 
He said, "At present, the youth are at risk of various forms of social 
degradation. The spread of drugs and teen gangs, in particular, is alarming. 
To protect the new generation from this situation, they must be engaged in 
sports and creative activities."
 
He further said that sports not only improve the physical fitness of children 
and adolescents but also support their mental development. Youth who are 
active on the field generally stay away from crime and negative activities.
 
He emphasized expanding opportunities for sports to build a healthy and sound 
society.
 
The event was chaired by Md. Elias Ali, President of Ward No. 9 Jubo Dal of 
Nowhata Municipality. The programme was conducted by Md. Naimul Islam Nabab, 
general secretary of Ward No. 9 Jubo Dal of Nowhata Municipality.
 
Special guests present included former Mayor of Nowhata Municipality Sheikh 
Makbul Hossain, Organising Secretary of Nowhata Municipal BNP Md. Saidur 
Rahman, Convener Committee Member Sharifur Rahman Sharif, and other local 
political and social figures.
 
A large number of local sports-loving youths attended the opening ceremony. 
The organisers said such events will continue in the future to encourage the 
youth to take part in sports.