Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made an unannounced appearance at the Dhaka National Stadium on Thursday afternoon to attend a friendly match among former footballers, marking his first visit to a sporting event since taking office.
The prime minister arrived at the stadium with his daughter Zaima Rahman and State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, and inaugurated the match, which was held on the occasion of Independence and National Day.
The visit was not on the PM’s scheduled itinerary for the day. Earlier in the morning, he paid respects at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, visited his parents’ graves at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, and attended the parade at the National Parade Ground.
Players of the red and green teams, divided into two sides, were preparing on the field when the prime minister entered the stadium through the VIP gate.
He went straight to the dugout, met the players, and exchanged pleasantries. He then walked around the field along the athletic track before taking a seat in the VIP lounge to enjoy the match.
