Chattogram: State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding the younger generation from drug abuse by promoting sports as a constructive alternative. The minister articulated this commitment while serving as the chief guest at the prize-giving ceremony of the Shaheed Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia Memorial Inter-School Football Tournament-2026, held at the Chattogram District Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister highlighted the critical role of spectators in the development of the sports sector, emphasizing that increased public participation is essential to advancing the country's sports landscape. The tournament witnessed Railway Station Colony High School clinching the title after defeating Maizpara Mahmudunnabi Chowdhury High School of Patenga 1-0 in the final match.
The event was presided over by the tournament committee chairman and Chattogram City BNP convener MP Ershad Ullah, with supervision by the tournament committee chief coordinator and city BNP member secretary Nazrimur Rahman. Special guests included Chattogram-9 MP Mohammad Abu Sufian, Bangladesh Cricket Board Director Israfil Khosru, tournament organizing committee convener Niaz Mohammad Khan, and city BNP joint convener and tournament media committee convener Shawkat Azam Khaja.
The champions were awarded trophies and prize money of Tk 2 lakh, with the runners-up receiving Tk 1 lakh and the third-place team earning Tk 50,000, marking a successful conclusion to the inaugural tournament.