Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today laid emphasis on promotion of native sports, saying sports and physical exercises boost up self-confidence and senses of responsibility to the country.

She said, "Local sports should be given more importance so that those can be practiced more . . . I want our children to remain engaged in sports, physical exercises and cultural activities apart from study."

The premier was addressing the concluding ceremony of Sheikh Hasina Inter-Bank Football Tournament-2023 at Bangladesh Army Stadium in the capitals Banani area.

The premier said, "Sports, physical exercises and cultural practices boost up self-confidence, love for the country and the senses of dutifulness and responsibility to the country, alongside making the people happy."

She said the government will take steps to construct a stadium for football and other sports in Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital.

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman and State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel were present in the concluding ceremony.

Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed spoke on the occasion, while BAB Chairman Nazrul Islam Mazumder delivered the welcome speech.

BDST: 2108 HRS, JUNE 09, 2023
MSK