International standard sports village to be built in Narayanganj: Aminul

In the first phase, international standard sports villages will be built in 10 regions of the country, with Narayanganj set to be prioritised on that list, said Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque.

He made the remarks as chief guest at the final and prize distribution ceremony of the Begum Khaleda Zia Football Tournament, organised by the Mustafizur Rahman Foundation at Osmani Stadium in Narayanganj city on Saturday (July 18) afternoon.

The State Minister said the government has undertaken a long-term plan to develop the country's sports infrastructure. As part of this, international standard sports villages will be constructed in 10 regions in the first phase. These sports villages will include indoor games, archery, shooting, swimming and various other sports facilities of international standard. Narayanganj will be given priority in this list.

He said a modern swimming pool will be constructed in every district over the next five years. At the same time, dilapidated swimming pools will be renovated to increase opportunities for learning to swim and reduce deaths from drowning.

Expressing concern over the current condition of the Fatullah Stadium, the State Minister for Sports said the condition of that international standard cricket stadium is now extremely dire. He has already instructed concerned officials to begin renovation work quickly. He also said the government has taken the initiative to include eight sports subjects—including football, cricket, chess and swimming—in the new national curriculum to promote sports. From next year, teaching of these subjects will begin from the fourth grade. Students will be evaluated based on written tests as well as participation on the field.

The State Minister further said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed that playgrounds be developed wherever there is vacant land. Letters have already been sent to 300 Members of Parliament so that at least one playground can be developed on at least eight bighas of land in every union. There is a plan to ensure sports-friendly fields in all unions across the country over the next five years.

Present at the time were Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan, Zila Parishad Administrator Professor Mamun Mahmud, Narayanganj-2 MP Nazrul Islam Azad, Narayanganj-3 MP Azharul Islam Mannan, Mustafizur Rahman Foundation Chairman Rakibul Islam Rakib, and Narayanganj Development Authority Chairman Masukul Islam Rajib.