Rangpur: The 'Shaheed Abu Sayeed Inter-Departmental Football Tournament 2026 (Season-2)' was inaugurated in an emotional and festive atmosphere at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) on Sunday. Most Monowara Begum, mother of the hero of the July Uprising, Shaheed Abu Sayeed, opened the tournament by hoisting the national flag and releasing balloons at the university's central football field. The Vice-chancellor of BRUR, Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali, attended the event as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the university's Proctor, Professor Dr. Md Ferdous Rahman, was present as a special guest. The tournament's Convener and Director of the Office of Physical Education, Md Ismail Hossain, presided over the event, and Shaheed Abu Sayeed's elder brothers, Md Ramzan Ali and Md Bakul Mia, were in attendance. In his speech, the Vice-chancellor referred to Shaheed Abu Sayeed as a "national hero" and emphasized the importance of keeping alive the memory of the heroes of the July 24 Uprising and the spirit of July.
During the event, it was announced that tenders have been invited for the construction of "Abu Sayeed Gate" at the university, with work expected to commence soon, as per the promise of the University Grants Commission. Additionally, it was revealed that one of the four new halls being constructed under the university's ongoing mega project will be named "Shaheed Abu Sayeed Hall."
The Vice-chancellor expressed hope that the tournament would be completed successfully with the cooperation of teachers, students, and officials. This season, 22 male teams, one from each department of the university, and four separate female teams are participating in the tournament. The opening match saw competition between the male teams of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science and the Department of Marketing.