Dhaka: State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque today emphasized the importance of sports in fostering a healthy nation. He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a public seminar organized by the National Heart Foundation in Mirpur in celebration of World Health Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar was conducted under the slogan “Sports increases life, heart remains strong”. Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury was also present as a special guest. During his address, Aminul highlighted the government’s growing focus on preventive healthcare, mentioning the various plans implemented ahead of the last election to enhance the nation’s health services.
Aminul revealed the government’s plan to recruit 100,000 health workers shortly, with around 80 percent of them being women. These workers will provide healthcare services at the community level and raise awareness about complex diseases. In terms of promoting sports, the state minister announced that 129 national athletes have been included in sports allowance and sports card schemes to recognize sports as a viable profession, with plans to include more athletes in phases.
He also disclosed the upcoming launch of the “Natun Kuri” sports programme on April 30, aimed at children and adolescents aged 12 to 14 years. Furthermore, Aminul mentioned that the government is taking steps to introduce sports as a compulsory subject from grade four in eight different disciplines, incorporating a pass-fail evaluation system similar to other academic subjects.
Aminul concluded by advocating for the establishment of National Heart Foundation institutions at the divisional level, assuring full government support for these initiatives.