'Prime Minister's Gold Cup' begins: Boys' participation mandatory, girls' optional

The 'Prime Minister's Gold Cup' national football competition is set to begin, involving nearly 50,000 educational institutions across the country. Participation is mandatory for all male students from classes VI to XII, while participation for female students has been kept optional. According to the initial plan, the competition is targeted to start by September 10 and conclude by October 30.

Md Mahdi Amin, Education Adviser to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed this information after a steering committee meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday to organise the competition. Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon chaired the meeting.

Mahdi Amin said students from classes VI to XII of all schools, colleges, madrasas, technical and vocational educational institutions across the country will be able to participate in this competition. The aim is to create a festive atmosphere across the country and give greater importance to sports for the development of students' intellect, mindfulness and creativity .

He said various sports and cultural events will be held throughout the year in coordination with the ministries of Education, Youth and Sports, and Culture. The objective is to ensure equity in the education system, reduce disparities between urban and rural students and create equal participation opportunities for all.

The adviser further said the organisers expect Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the opening match. His presence is also expected at the final match.

The steering committee meeting was attended by Information Minister Jahir Uddin Swapan, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, along with officials from the relevant ministries.