Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Aug 5, 2026 (BSS) – Lawmaker of Khulna-4 Azizul Bari Helal today said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman envisions building a talented and healthy nation by engaging the country's youth in sports, education and social welfare activities.

He said the government would organise the Prime Minister's Gold Cup National Football Tournament across the country, adding that the tournament has been named after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
 
"The tournament is not merely a competition for winning trophies. It is a platform for discovering new talent, instilling discipline and inspiring young people to stay away from drugs and embrace positive values," Helal said while inaugurating the Inter-Class Football Tournament-2026 at the KDA School and College ground here this morning.
 
Referring to the July Mass Uprising, the MP said the movement had demonstrated that the country's youth could unite to overcome national challenges.
 
He added that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to establish a discrimination-free state to fulfil the aspirations of the younger generation.
 
Helal also said Khulna and its surrounding areas have long been recognised as fertile grounds for sporting talent. With proper training and regular practice, local athletes would be capable of bringing international recognition to Bangladesh, he added.
 
He praised KDA School and College for organising the tournament, saying the initiative reflected the importance of sports alongside academic education in ensuring the physical and mental development of students.
 
Chairman of the Khulna Development Authority (KDA) and President of the Governing Body of KDA School and College, Advocate SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, formally inaugurated the tournament.
 
Among others, Khulna University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Harunur Rashid Khan, Bangladesh Cricket Board Director Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, KDA Member (Estate) Md Iqbal Hossain, Member (Administration and Finance) and Acting Secretary MM Mahmudur Rahman, Member (Development) Ruhul Amin Kutubuddin Ahmad, Acting Chief Engineer Kazi Md Sabirul Alam, and other senior KDA officials were present.