Government Aims to Institutionalise Sports, Says State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib

Government is working to institutionalise sports and engage people in country's development activities, State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid Habib has said.

He made remarks Friday while inaugurating Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Memorial Football Tournament 2026 at Jorapukurpar Field in Tilpapara, Khilgaon, in capital.

Addressing opening ceremony as chief guest, Habib said government wanted to take country forward by ensuring public participation in every sector.

"Government has come to power through democratic electoral process. It wants to involve people in every sphere of development. Seeing large turnout at this field today has once again demonstrated importance of bringing everyone together to institutionalise sports," he said.

Highlighting role of local football competitions in promoting sports, state minister stressed need to encourage children, adolescents and young people to participate in sporting activities.

He said creating supportive environment for sports would help younger generation develop physically and mentally while fostering discipline, mutual cooperation and spirit of healthy competition.

10 teams compete in local football tournament

Organised through initiative of local sports enthusiasts, tournament features 10 teams divided into two groups, with five teams in each. Final is scheduled to take place next month.

Group A comprises Sonali Shokal, KKhG, Khilgaon Samaj Kalyan Samiti, Lalbagh Sonali Otit and Gazipur Sonali Otit.

Group B includes ADCFC, BAECH-28, Goran Fotis FC, Khilgaon Ekota Krira O Samaj Kalyan Sangha, and Gabtoli Sonali Otit, Bogura.

Opening match featured KKhG versus Sonali Shokal.

Organisers expect several footballers with experience playing at national level to participate in competition. Their involvement is expected to give local players opportunity to showcase their abilities and learn from more experienced footballers.

Promoting youth engagement through sports

According to organisers, children and adolescents regularly play at Tilpapara field. Tournament is also expected to inspire members of their local group, Tiger Kids, by encouraging greater participation in sports and providing opportunities for healthy recreation.

Organisers said competition was arranged with broader objectives of building drug-free society, engaging children and young people in sports, and encouraging younger generation to pursue education.

Tournament is being supervised by Humayun Kabir, general secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party's Khilgaon Ward No. 1 unit. Event is organised by Jorapukur Sonali Shokal.

Local initiative aims to sustain sporting culture

According to information provided by organisers, activities centred on local club and playing field began around 2004-05 with assistance from Mirza Abbas, BNP standing committee member, following filling of Jorapukur pond under Humayun Kabir's initiative.

Since then, efforts have continued to develop sporting environment in area.

Local residents and sports enthusiasts hope regular tournaments of this kind will create more opportunities for emerging footballers from Khilgaon and other parts of Dhaka to develop their talents.

They also believe greater participation in sports can help children and adolescents engage in constructive activities, promoting discipline, physical well-being and more positive social environment.