The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Wednesday conferred a reception to the Bangladesh Under-20 national football team following their title win in the SAFF U-20 Championship.
At a event held at the Gulshan Nagar Bhaban, each player of the champion team was awarded a cheque of Tk 50,000, along with crests and souvenirs. Members of the coaching staff were also honoured.
DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton attended the event as the chief guest, while Bangladesh Football Federation President Tabith Awal was present as special guest. DNCC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Asaduzzaman delivered the welcome speech.
Speaking on the occasion, the DNCC Administrator said the nation feels proud whenever Bangladeshi players carry the national flag in victory laps, adding that football in the country is entering a new phase.
He also noted that steps are being taken, under the prime minister's directives, to free open spaces from illegal occupation and make them suitable for sports activities.
Addressing the players, he said they are seen as the future of the national team and emphasised that the purpose of the event was to honour and inspire them rather than focus on financial rewards.
In his speech, Tabith Awal thanked the DNCC Administrator for supporting sports, saying city corporations play an important role in developing sports and fostering social unity.
Among others present were BFF Vice-President Fahad Mohammad Ahmed Karim, members of the U-20 team, DNCC Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Chief Engineer Brig Gen Syed Rakibul Hasan, and officials from both DNCC and BFF. �"UNB
