Dhaka: BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today emphasized the enduring nature of sports as a source of emotion and tradition across generations. Speaking as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with the newly elected board of directors of Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited, Fakhrul highlighted the deep-rooted connection of sports in people’s hearts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was held at the Mohammedan Sporting Club ground in Motijheel. Mirza Fakhrul reminisced about his childhood, recalling how listening to matches on the radio introduced him to the Mohammedan Club. He noted that the rivalries involving clubs from East Pakistan and Kolkata, such as Mohammedan, Mohun Bagan, and East Bengal, were often depicted in literature and novels, enhancing the social impact of sports.
Fakhrul further observed that individuals involved in sports frequently gain popularity, citing that many current members of parliament and ministers have sports associations that have significantly boosted their public personas. Addressing the club’s current President Barkat Ullah Bulu and other officials, he expressed optimism for the club’s progress through collective efforts.
He shared that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has initiated plans to restructure the country’s sports sector, focusing on grassroots expansion and athlete development. Fakhrul urged the sports minister and relevant stakeholders to keep sports free from political influence, ensuring talented players receive proper opportunities.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, speaking as a special guest, stressed the importance of evaluating players based on merit rather than political identity. Rizvi criticized past practices of political bias in player evaluations but noted a positive shift towards merit-based assessments under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
The event was presided over by President of Mohammedan Sporting Club Barkat Ullah Bulu, with notable attendees including State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, Cumilla-6 MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury, and President of Abahani Club Anjan Chowdhury Pintu.