Rangpur:State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque announced that the government has initiated a project to develop playgrounds in 4,599 unions to promote sports at the grassroots level. This initiative aims to rejuvenate sports participation by reclaiming and renovating government-owned land for use as playgrounds.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the State Minister disclosed these details during his visit to the Shaheed Abu Sayed Stadium in Rangpur city. He emphasized that the relevant authorities, including district administrations and city corporations, have been informed about the project, which will be implemented over the next five years.
The project involves the use of three to eight bighas of land at the union level to create functional playgrounds accessible to both young men and women. Additionally, the government plans to modernize district-level stadiums, adding indoor facilities and swimming pools in the eight divisional headquarters.
Committees have been formed to investigate corruption allegations within various sports federations, with the Anti-Corruption Commission cooperating in these efforts. The State Minister stressed accountability and strict action against corruption.
Starting January, a comprehensive sports calendar featuring 15 disciplines will be introduced to facilitate competitions throughout the year. The government aims to establish sports as a viable profession and has concluded the first edition of the 'Notun Kuri Sports' programme. Forty participants have been selected for permanent study and training at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan.
The programme will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on November 5, covering 503 upazilas via an online platform from Khulna. Key officials, including Member of Parliament Advocate Rejeka Sultana Fency and others, were present during the announcement.