Dhaka:Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain emphasized the critical role of sports in preventing drug addiction among the youth during the closing ceremony of the Junior National Karate Championship 2026 at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Zahid identified drugs as a major barrier to the country's development and stressed the importance of involving young people in sports and cultural activities to shield them from addiction. He urged for proper guidance and quality training to enable the younger generation to achieve international acclaim for the country.
Dr. Zahid reiterated the government's commitment to creating an inclusive and humane Bangladesh, highlighting the necessity for active participation from all segments of society. He noted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's ongoing efforts to promote sports and culture as part of a broader strategy to foster healthy, drug-free lifestyles for future generations.
The minister praised the 'Notun Kuri' and 'Notun Kuri Sports' programmes for their role in steering children, adolescents, and young adults away from drugs. He encouraged parents to motivate their children to engage regularly in sports and physical exercise.
The championship hosted approximately 1,600 competitors from 79 teams nationwide, featuring 59 events over two days. Dr. Zahid awarded medals and trophies to the winners during the ceremony. The event was chaired by Bangladesh Karate Federation President Engineer Abdus Sobhan and attended by notable figures including Director of the National Sports Council Zahid Parvez Chowdhury, Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation Vice-President Shahadat Hossain, and former Bangladesh Karate Federation President Shahzada Alam, alongside sports enthusiasts, organizers, coaches, and athletes.