Aminul Haque and Asaduzzaman vow sports revolution, professionalising athletics and nurturing grassroots talent across Bangladesh. Photo : BSS

JHENAIDAH, Aug 9, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has said sports will be established as a profession within the next five years as the government seeks to usher in a "new revolution" in the sports sector.

"We want to create a new revolution in the country's sports arena," he said this while addressing the prize-giving ceremony of the District Council Administrator Gold Cup Football Tournament final at Bir Shreshtha Hamidur Rahman Stadium here yesterday as special guest. 

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman attended the event as the chief guest.

Aminul Haque said the government has taken various initiatives to identify the talented athletes at the grassroots level. "We have already organised 'Natunkuri' programme while various sports events have been introduced at the school and college levels," he added.

He alleged that the country's sports sector had been destroyed over the last 17 years, adding that the incumbent government is committed to restore the country's lostheritage and glory in the sports sector.

"Sports should not be treated merely as entertainment; it must also be established as a profession," the state minister said, adding that engaging young people in sports would help to keep them away from drugs and social degradation.

"We want to build a healthy nation and a drug-free society through sports. We also want to restore our ethics, morality and social values through sports," he said, urging the people from all political and social backgrounds to work together to achieve the goal.

Aminul Haque said the government has undertaken an initiative to construct sports villages in 10 districts during the current fiscal year, with one of them planned for Jhenaidah.

He also said the existing stadium in Jhenaidah would be transformed into a modern stadium with a full-fledged gallery. Besides, work has begun on a plan to establish one playground in each of the country's 4,599 unions.

According to the state minister, in line with the government's election manifesto, sports villages equipped with international-standard indoor stadiums are planned in all 64 districts. 

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Political Assistant to the Prime Minister Md Rashed Khan and Jhenaidah district BNP General Secretary Md Zahiduzzaman Mona also spoke at the programme.

The event was chaired by Jhenaidah District Council Administrator and district BNP President Md Abdul Majid.

Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner Md Noman Hossain and Superintendent of Police (SP) Mia Mohammad Ashis Bin Hasan were also present.

In the final match, Kushtia Wonders Club faced Lifeway Club of Jhenaidah.

The stadium was packed with spectators, while the galleries echoed with excitement and cheers. School and college students who could not find space in the galleries sat on the field to watch the match.

The month-long tournament was organised as part of the efforts to promote football in the country.

In addition, Lifeway Club, Jhenaidah, defeated Kushtia Wonders Club 3-2 to clinch the championship title.