Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stated that her government is taking steps to develop athletes to an international standard through training, which is why BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan) is being established in every division. She said, “Training athletes to an appropriate level is most necessary for sports. Therefore, while BKSP was previously only in Dhaka, now one is being set up in each division. These centers will offer training in various sports including swimming, archery, weightlifting, football, cricket, hockey, golf, shooting, chess, athletics, and volleyball.”
She further mentioned, “We are taking various steps to ensure our children receive training and our athletes become proficient at an international level.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made these remarks in her keynote speech at the prize-giving ceremony of the ‘Sheikh Hasina Inter-Bank Football Tournament’ held at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in the capital this afternoon.
In the final, Islami Bank PLC won the championship by defeating Standard Bank PLC with a score of 2-0.
She said, “Since I came to the government, my effort has been to advance Bangladesh in sports. I want our boys and girls to pay more attention to sports because it will not only ensure good health but also foster a competitive spirit and a drive for self-improvement.”
The Prime Minister added that through sports, education, and cultural activities, people will have the opportunity to express the culture, knowledge, and talents of their own country. This is why we are giving more emphasis on sports.
Mentioning the establishment of Sheikh Russell Mini Stadia in every upazilla across the country for the development and practice of sports, she said, “No one should remain idle. If practice does not start from a young age, how will talent emerge?”
She recalled how there were once obstacles for women in sports but under her government’s initiative, players are emerging from the Bangamata Gold Cup and Bangabandhu Gold Cup tournaments held at the primary school level, who are bringing honor to the country internationally and representing Bangladesh on the global stage through sports.
She mentioned that suitable athletes will eventually emerge through these sports initiatives. “We will be able to showcase our skills at the international level and bring home international titles. This is our goal, and our government is committed to this effort.”
The Prime Minister distributed trophies and monetary awards to the winners and runners-up of the final.
An audiovisual presentation on the overall development of football in the country was shown during the event.
Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman spoke at the event, and Md. Nazrul Islam Mazumder, Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB), delivered the welcome address.
Youth and Sports Minister Nazmul Hasan, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Advisor Salman F Rahman, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukdar, among others, were present at the prize-giving ceremony.
Earlier, the Prime Minister observed the march-past of the 31 participating teams in the second edition of the tournament, which was inaugurated on April 27, and enjoyed the cultural program.
Sheikh Hasina noted that both the boys’ and girls’ national teams are doing well in the Under-19 category and expressed hope that with continued training, Bangladesh will be able to showcase its talent at the international level.
The Prime Minister stated, “Victory or defeat in sports is not the main thing. Today someone will win, and another day someone else will win. The most important thing is the competitive spirit, attraction, and passion for sports.”
She said that Bangladesh is progressing at an international level and will continue to move forward. “Bangladesh will advance at an unstoppable pace on the global stage, and we will build a developed, prosperous, and smart Bangladesh.”
She expressed her sincere congratulations and thanks to the organizers, including the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) and the Bangladesh Army, and hoped that BAB will organize more games and new tournaments, ensuring the expansion of sports across the country. “We want our country to advance in all aspects, including sports.”
She noted that sports, cultural activities, and literary pursuits cannot thrive without sponsorship. “The organization of this tournament marks the beginning of a new era in football.”
Recalling the Father of the Nation’s leadership in transforming a war-torn country into a semi-developed nation within just 3 years and 7 months of his rule, she also highlighted his various initiatives in the development of sports.
The Prime Minister mentioned that football is a very popular sport both in the country and globally. She noted that her grandfather and father played football, and now her grandchildren also play. Additionally, her brothers Sheikh Kamal and Sheikh Jamal were skilled in football, cricket, and hockey.
The sports-loving Prime Minister also mentioned that she watches ongoing football matches of the ‘Euro’ or ‘Copa America’ whenever she gets time.
She highlighted that her government has developed the country’s economy by building a digital Bangladesh. “We have reduced the poverty rate by more than half to 18.7% and the extreme poverty rate from over 25% to 5.6%. Inshallah, we will eliminate even this.”
She stated that there will be no extreme poverty in Bangladesh. The government is providing free houses to the landless and homeless, free textbooks, scholarships, and creating opportunities for diversified education by establishing universities in major districts. Additionally, the launch of the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has brought broadband internet service across the country, enhancing global connectivity and advancing Bangladesh internationally.
