Two young footballers from Sunamganj, Mozammel and Yasin, have drawn national attention after receiving official support from the sports affairs wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The party’s sports affairs secretary, Aminul Haque, announced the assistance on Thursday, highlighting the initiative as part of a broader effort to nurture grassroots sporting talent across Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Sunamganj, Aminul said the initiative came following directions from BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who has emphasised sports as a key avenue for positive social change. “Our aim is to help young players from underprivileged families turn their talent into real opportunity,” Aminul said. “Mozammel and Yasin are fine examples of the potential that exists in every corner of Bangladesh.”
Mozammel, a young goalkeeper inspired by Argentina’s World Cup-winning star Emiliano Martínez, has impressed many with his sharp reflexes and passion for the game. His teammate Yasin, known for his control and pace, has been a standout performer in local matches and part of the now-viral youth football group from the region.
During the visit, Aminul Haque handed over sports gear, including footballs and jerseys, to the local players and confirmed that both Mozammel and Yasin will receive a monthly financial allowance to support their studies and sporting activities. He added that similar programmes are already underway in Kishoreganj, Chandpur, Habiganj, and Dhaka, helping other young athletes continue their education while pursuing their sports dreams.
“As a former goalkeeper myself, I see immense promise in Mozammel,” Aminul said with pride. “If given proper guidance and support, players like him and Yasin can one day represent Bangladesh at the highest level.”
He further explained that the initiative aligns with a nationwide plan to identify and nurture hidden sporting talents in rural areas. “We are not limiting ourselves to football alone. Cricket, volleyball, chess, and other disciplines are also part of this effort,” he said. “Our vision is to see a stronger, healthier generation that grows through sports, free from social vices and addiction.”
The programme has already sparked positive reactions in the local community, where residents expressed gratitude for the attention being given to grassroots athletes. For many in the area, the support offers new hope that with the right resources, rural children can chase dreams that once seemed beyond reach.
“This initiative shows that no matter where a young player lives, whether in a village or a small town, if they have talent, we will find them and help them grow,” Aminul said.
The BNP Sports Affairs Department has been organising grassroots tournaments such as the Zia Football Tournament and Arafat Rahman Memorial Tournament to encourage youth participation in sports while promoting a drug-free lifestyle.
Local residents in Sunamganj welcomed the move, describing it as a “positive example” of how community-based sports programmes can uplift underprivileged youth.
As Aminul concluded, “Every young player deserves a chance. If Mojammel and Yasin can dream big, we must make sure they have the platform to achieve it.”
