Meherpur youths being addicted to social media

MEHERPUR, July 10: Once upon a time, playgrounds in villages of the district used to be bustling with children and teenagers in the afternoon. But in the course of time, that has changed a lot. Playgrounds are empty of players, and a large part of the young generation is spending time on mobile phones, which is having a negative impact on their physical and mental health.

Abdul Malek, a resident of Gangni Municipality, said that earlier boys could be seen playing on the field in the afternoon. Now they are spending more time on mobile phones.

Jinarul Islam of Garabaria Village said, “I myself have played sports with a good reputation for a long time. At that time, there was a beautiful atmosphere for sports. But the present generation is addicted to mobile phones.” 

Veteran football player Hafizur Rahman said, “Once upon a time, players used to play together on the field, and many still know us as players. But unfortunately, that culture is lost. Therefore, it is important to turn the youth back to the field.”

Hafizul Islam, Assistant Head-Teacher of Qutubpur School and College, said, “We had earned reputation as players. Even from 2010 to 2014, there was a large presence of players on the field. But now that picture has completely changed. Not a single player is seen on the field now.”

Ashraful Islam Bablu, a retired sports teacher of Mominpur Secondary School, said, “If we can make the young generation sports-oriented, the mobile phone addiction will be reduced.” 

Social and human rights activist Dilara Jahan believes that this crisis cannot be addressed without the coordinated efforts of families, educational institutions and local administration. It is important to bring the youth back on a healthy path by organising regular sports activities, preserving playgrounds and raising awareness.

Imdadul Haque, a prominent sportsman of the town, told The Daily Observer in response to a question that after many years, a convening committee has been formed here and sports will start soon. The current Deputy Commissioner (DC) has taken this initiative.

Talking to The Daily Observer, DC Shilpi Rani Roy said that a committee has already been formed to make the sports organisation work-oriented and a football tournament will start by the 20th of this month with the participation of the all Union Parishads of the district. She hoped that as a result, the district sports organisation will regain its momentum.