News Flash
PANCHAGARH, May 31, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad today said that sports can help prevent youths from drug abuse and device addiction.
Excessive use of social media and the growing risk of drug abuse are causing young people and teenagers to move away from sports, he said.
The state minister made the assertion while talking to media at Boda upazila auditorium here following a reception accorded to the players of Boda Two Star Football Academy.
The academy recently won a national age-group football tournament held in Dhaka and the state minister emphasized the importance of sports in youth development.
He said the government is launching the “Notun Kuri-26” program to address the situation.
Under the initiative, students will be encouraged from the primary level to participate in football, cricket, volleyball, badminton and various cultural activities.
According to Azad, greater involvement of parents in encouraging children to engage in outdoor sports can significantly reduce the negative influence of mobile phones and social media.
He, however, said that sports can help build a healthy, disciplined and skilled new generation.
Calling upon the parents to motivate their children to participate in sports, the state minister said the recent achievement demonstrates the strong interest and potential for sports among the young people in the northern Bangladesh.
In this connection, he announced plans to construct a mini stadium at Boda Upazila of the district.
During the event, Azad awarded medals to the academy’s outstanding players and later presented the championship trophy and crests to the winning team. He also personally donated Taka 20,000 to Boda Two Star Football Academy.
Among others, Boda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rabiul Islam, General Secretary of the upazila BNP Dilroja Ferdous, founder and coach of the academy Mofazzal Hossain Biplob and its Director Mahmudul Hasan Babu, were present on the occasion.
