Sports key to protecting youth from addiction: President

He made the remarks while inaugurating the 18th Arafat Rahman Koko National Summer Athletics Competition 2026 at the National Stadium on Friday evening. He formally inaugurated the competition by releasing balloons and festoons.

The President said sports teach young people discipline, perseverance and self-confidence. Expanding sports facilities and activities is essential to protecting the younger generation from destructive influences and building a healthy nation, he added.

Describing athletics as the mother of all sports, he said the discipline tests athletes' speed, strength, agility, discipline and endurance. A strong foundation in athletics would also enhance the country's capabilities in other sports, he added.

“Sports are a symbol of national pride and unity. Seeing Bangladesh's flag fly high on the international stage and hearing the national anthem played at victory ceremonies is a matter of pride for the entire nation. At that moment, we all share one identity—we are Bangladeshis,” he said.

He stressed the need to develop homegrown athletes and ensure success for the country's teams on the international stage.

Mirza Fakhrul said a new enthusiasm had emerged in the country's sports arena. He credited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with playing an important role in promoting sports at the grassroots level and thanked him for his efforts.

The President said the government had taken various initiatives to expand sports, build a healthy nation and create employment opportunities. These include the introduction of sports cards and sports allowances, talent-hunting programmes at the grassroots level, and plans to establish modern sports villages in districts.

The Prime Minister has directed the authorities to ensure at least one playground in every union, and work in this regard has already begun, he said.

The President called on the relevant authorities to recover illegally occupied playgrounds, preserve existing facilities and identify locations for new playing fields.

Emphasising equal opportunities for female athletes, he said no talent should be lost due to financial constraints. Regular competitions should be organised at school, college, district and upazila levels, he added.

He also urged the authorities concerned to introduce inter-school sports competitions.

Calling for long-term sponsorship to develop world-class athletes, the President urged industrial enterprises, banks, insurance companies and businesspeople to come forward alongside the government.

He expressed hope that the competition would produce many talented athletes who would bring further glory to Bangladesh on the international stage.

The competition was dedicated to the memory of prominent sports organiser Arafat Rahman Koko. The President prayed for the eternal peace of his soul before formally declaring the 18th Arafat Rahman Koko National Athletics Competition 2026 open.

Bangladesh Athletics Federation President Mohammad Abdullah Zaber chaired the programme, while State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque attended as a special guest. The federation's General Secretary Ali Imam Tapan delivered the welcome address.

Earlier, athletes from 57 participating teams took part in a march-past. The competition's theme song was also performed. Former athletes Mohiuddin Ahmed and Sumita Rani Das lit the Games torch.

After the inauguration, the President watched the men's and women's 100-metre sprint events and handed medals to the winners.

The President arrived at the National Stadium around 4:00pm, where he was received by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam, Bangladesh Athletics Federation President Mohammad Abdullah Zaber and General Secretary Ali Imam Tapan.