Govt giving equal importance to all sports: Aminul

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Friday said the government is giving equal importance to all indoor and outdoor sports to take Bangladesh’s sports sector to a new height.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the “First Division Badminton League 2026” at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Indoor Stadium in Paltan as chief guest.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the minister said the government has already brought 300 athletes from 28 sports federations under a monthly salary structure of Tk 100,000 to ensure professionalism among players.

He also said badminton has been included among the eight disciplines under the “Notun Kuri Sports” programme launched on May 2, aiming to develop skilled shuttlers from the grassroots level.

Highlighting infrastructure development plans, Aminul said the government has undertaken a plan to establish “Sports Villages” in all 64 districts across the country.

Construction of 10 such sports villages will begin this year, each equipped with modern indoor stadium facilities, he added.

Responding to a request from the Bangladesh Badminton Federation, the minister directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to install air-conditioning facilities at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Indoor Stadium.

He also advised the federation to appoint a foreign coach on a two-year contract to improve training standards and player development.

The minister said sports play an important role in keeping young people away from drugs and immoral activities while helping build a healthy nation.

After inaugurating the badminton league, Aminul also opened the “Independence Day Age-Group Roller Skating Meet” at the roller skating ground.