He made these remarks as the chief guest at the final of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), organized by the Bangladesh Tape Ball Cricket Board (BTCB) and Purbochandara Sporting Club (PSC) at Sajipur in Kaliakair, Gazipur, on Friday (August 7) afternoon.
The minister said that if state recognition is granted, it will further increase opportunities for players to participate not only at the domestic level but also internationally. He also emphasized the expansion of sports at the grassroots level.
Highlighting sports as one of the most effective means to keep young people away from drugs, Aminul Haque said there is no alternative to sports in keeping the youth away from substance abuse. Through sports, morality and social values must be revived to build a healthy nation.
He further said the government wants to build a humane Bangladesh by prioritizing sports and bringing about qualitative changes at both the social and state levels. He called upon people from all walks of life, including youth and adolescents, to engage in sports.
The event was attended by State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Md. Ishrak Hossain and MP Md. Mojibur Rahman (Gazipur-1 constituency) as honored guests. The final match was inaugurated by Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation Secretary General Md. Humayun Kabir Khan, under the chairmanship of Kaliakair Municipal BNP former joint secretary Md. Saijuddin Ahmed. Bangladesh Tape Ball Cricket Board President Sarwar Hossain Akul, members of sports organizations, and teachers and students from over 50 local schools were also present.
Notably, in the grand final match organized by the Bangladesh Tape Ball Cricket Board, Team Galaxy from Kurigram and Rozar Riders from Kushtia competed against each other. Batting first, Team Galaxy scored 256 runs in the allotted 20 overs. In response, Rozar Riders Kushtia managed to score 244 runs, resulting in a 12-run victory for Team Galaxy Kurigram.