The government plans to establish a playground for every three wards across all city corporations and municipalities in the country to encourage young people to participate in sports, Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Monday.
He also announced plans to establish one playground in each of the seven unions of Sylhet Sadar upazila.
The minister made the announcements at a reception for national-level winners from Sylhet Division in Notun Kuri Sports 2026, held at the Sylhet Circuit House.
The programme was organised by the Divisional Sports Association with support from Sylhet City Corporation (SCC).
Muktadir said the government was implementing various plans to encourage the younger generation to take up sports, with a focus on developing playgrounds and necessary infrastructure.
He stressed the importance of establishing sports as a profession while ensuring proper recognition and dignity for athletes.
Describing successful athletes in football, cricket, kabaddi, volleyball, hockey and tennis as national assets, he said their achievements deserved recognition and greater efforts were needed to encourage young people to participate in sports.
Congratulating Sylhet’s national-level winners in kabaddi and football, the minister said their success was a source of pride for the region.
He pledged initiatives to improve sports infrastructure and expand playground facilities in Sylhet, adding that suitable practice arrangements for kabaddi players would also be considered.
Muktadir urged sports organisers to work collectively and responsibly to advance the region’s sporting activities.
Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Md Mashiur Rahman chaired the programme.
Lawmakers Emran Ahmed Chowdhury and M A Malik, SCC Administrator Abdul Kaim Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi and Sylhet Water Supply and Sewerage Authority Chairman Miftah Siddiqui attended the event.
Others present included Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sarwar Murshed Shamim, Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun, Superintendent of Police Chowdhury Yaber Sadek, Metropolitan Bangladesh Nationalist Party President Nasim Hossain and General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury.
Officials from divisional and district sports associations, athletes and sports organisers also attended.
