Lalmonirhat:Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has proposed organizing football and cricket tournaments to engage young people in sports as a means to deter them from drugs, gambling, and other addictive behaviors.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the importance of promoting sports like football, cricket, and traditional rural games to divert the youth from addiction and encourage their participation in healthy activities. He shared these thoughts during a briefing at the Lalmonirhat District Stadium after attending a quarter-final match of the Deputy Commissioner's Alokita Kishore Gold Cup Football Tournament.
Dulu pointed out that some young people have moved away from sports due to their involvement in drugs and gambling. However, the youth football tournament has sparked significant interest across the district, drawing many young individuals back to sports fields. He further mentioned plans to organize senior-division football and cricket competitions gradually, highlighting the role of sports and local games in fostering a healthy lifestyle and a better community.
The event on Saturday featured two quarter-final matches. Abhijan Sangha emerged victorious over Morning Star Football Academy with a 2-0 win, advancing to the semi-finals. In another match, Nawaberhat Adarsha Club and Patgram Football Academy ended regular time with a 1-1 draw. Nawaberhat secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 4-3 win in the penalty shootout.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Prodhan, Superintendent of Police Md Asaduzzaman, and District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque were also present at the event.