Kushtia: The inter-university athletic and basketball championship-2026 was inaugurated today at Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia. Minister of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh, Aminul Haque, inaugurated the event at the central cricket field this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the three-day-long competition, from May 4 to May 6, has brought together participants from 21 universities across the country, creating a festive atmosphere on the campus. Minister of Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, addressed the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest, while Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah chaired the event.
Additionally, district council administrators from both Kushtia and Jhenaidah were present as guests of honor. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. M Yeaqub Ali and Treasurer Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam were also in attendance as special guests.
In his speech, Sports Minister Aminul Haque highlighted that the Prime Minister and his family have already gained a reputation for being sports enthusiasts. He emphasized the importance of sports as a means to move away from political disorder and misrule observed over the past 17 years. Haque further mentioned that sports are being given the highest priority in Bangladesh, with national athletes receiving professional recognition through sports cards. This initiative has already encompassed 300 individuals, with plans to extend it to 500 national athletes under the sports allowance scheme.
Haque also expressed a commitment to building a drug-free society and keeping the future generation away from devices, stressing that there is no alternative to sports to achieve these goals. On the first day of the event, athletics competitions were held, followed by cultural programs performed by local Lalon devotees and IU students.