Staff Reporter:
BNP Joint Secretary General and Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince has said sports is not only a source of entertainment but also an effective means of building a healthy, talented and morally responsible generation.
Prince made the remarks while attending the final of the Garo Premier League (GPL) in the district’s Haluaghat as chief guest and distributing trophies and prizes among the champion and runner-up teams.
GPL, organised by the Garo Students’ Union (GASU), was held on Saturday at the Dumnikura playground in Haluaghat, a border area surrounded by the Garo Hills along the Bangladesh-India frontier.
The two-day football tournament, held on 3 and 4 July, featured 16 teams comprising young members of the Garo community.
In the final, GFC faced Biroi Dakuni in a closely contested match that ended 1-1 in regulation time. GFC went on to secure the championship by defeating Biroi Dakuni 1-0 in the penalty shootout.
Addressing the event, Prince said greater participation in sports is essential to keep young people away from drugs, terrorism, violence and other social evils.
“Say no to drugs and yes to sports, education and cultural activities,” he urged the youth.
Prince also said the BNP government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is placing special emphasis on the development of sports.
As part of that effort, he said, sports will be incorporated into the national education curriculum from next year to help develop skilled athletes and promote sports as a respected profession.
He added that the government is taking initiatives to preserve the sports, culture and language of the Garo community and encourage younger generations to uphold their heritage.
Prince assured participants that the district administration would allocate funds for the development of the Dumnikura playground. He also announced plans for a stadium in Haluaghat, distribution of sports equipment to educational institutions and sports organisations, the establishment of a sports village in Kalasindur of Dhobaura, construction of roads in Dumnikura, embankment works to prevent erosion of the Gumuria River, establishment of a private health centre, and support for religious and educational institutions.
Among those present were GASU President Provat Drong, Haluaghat Tribal Welfare Association Chairman Subrata Rema, Central Vice-President of the Indigenous People’s Party Subhra Panthra, Haluaghat Upazila unit President Subrata Chiran, BNP leaders Abu Hasnat Badrul Kabir and Shafikur Rahman, along with local political leaders and representatives of labour and student organisations.
The final drew a large crowd of Garo men, women and young people, creating a festive atmosphere at the Dumnikura playground. Upon his arrival, Syed Emran Saleh Prince was welcomed with a traditional cultural performance by members of the Garo community.
