Sports can help build drug-free youth, says Sohel Kaykobad

A night-time short-pitch cricket tournament was inaugurated in Rajarhat upazila of Kurigram on Monday, with speakers stressing the role of sports in keeping young people away from drugs and social vices.

The tournament, organised by Shantinagar Youth Society, began at the ground of Rajarhat Model Government Primary School on November 9.

Kurigram District Council Administrator and District BNP Member Secretary Sohel Hossain Kaykobad attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.

Addressing the event, Kaykobad said young people were a country’s greatest strength and that sports and cultural activities were essential to guiding them in the right direction.

He said young people should be encouraged to return to playing fields to keep them away from drugs, terrorism and social degradation.

He added that sports helped develop discipline, leadership, mutual respect and fraternity, making such events important for building a healthy and drug-free society.

Rajarhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanzila Tasnim inaugurated the tournament.

Among others, Rajarhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mamunur Rashid, acting convener of Rajarhat Upazila BNP Advocate Shafiqul Islam and the party’s upazila member secretary Saidul Islam attended the programme.

The event was presided over by Nur Islam, headteacher of Chakirpashar Taluk Government Primary School. Enamul Haque Shamim, headteacher of Rajarhat Residential School, conducted the programme.

Al-Mizan Mahin, a July uprising fighter and member of Rajarhat Upazila Chhatra Dal, is overseeing the tournament.

The night-time competition has generated enthusiasm among local young people and cricket fans.