The first-ever National Day of Sports was observed in the country on Thursday coinciding with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
The United Nations General Assembly declared April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace three years ago.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biren Shikder inaugurated the day’s programmes at Sheikh Russell Roller Skating Complex on the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) premises in the morning releasing balloons and pigeons.
Deputy Minister Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Youth and Sports Ministry Zahid Ahsan Russell were also present at the function chaired by acting Youth and Sports Secretary M Asadul Haque.
A colourful rally with the participation of sportsmen, sports organisers, sports journalists and sports lovers was brought out from the BNS premises. It ended at the starting point after parading the Zero Point, Secretariat and the Jatiya Press Club.
On the occasion, three gold winning Bangladeshi athletes of the last South Asian Games — swimmer Mahfuza Khatun Shila, lifter Mabia Akhter Simanta and shooter Shakil Ahmed – were given cheques for three-month house rent of their respective flats as per the promise made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Olympic Association celebrated the day with separate programmes, including rally and seminar.
Primary and Mass Education M Mustafizur Rahman was the chief guest at the seminar attended by BOA secretary general Syed Shahed Reza and VP Minazur Rahman Manu.
