Younger generation will elevate Bangladesh to new heights, hopes PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday hoped that the young generation would groom themselves following the ideals, principles, work procedure and directives of freedom fighter Sheikh Kamal to elevate Bangladesh’s status further not only at home but also across the global.

"Freedom Fighter Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal had left behind ideals, principles, work procedure and directives for us. I wish that ranging from the country's little children to the youth generation would groom themselves following Sheikh Kamal," she said.

The premier expressed this optimism while distributing Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council Award-2022 at a ceremony in city’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium, organised to mark the 73rd birth anniversary of Freedom Fighter Shaheed captain Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

She joined the ceremony as chief guest virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban this morning.

Sheikh Hasina said, "We can improve the status of Bangladesh further not only at home but also at the international level by developing our talent and thinking, I want our sons and daughters to work in the same way."

With State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel in the chair, secretary of the ministry Mesbah Uddin delivered the welcome address.

Awami League Youth and Sports Affairs Secretary and noted sports organizer Harunur Rashid and legendary percussionist and musician Kazi Hablu, founding member of the Spandan Shilpi Gosthi established by Sheikh Kamal, also spoke reminiscing the life and visionary works of Sheikh Kamal in sports, music and other areas.

At the outset of the ceremony, a video documentary on the life and works of Sheikh Kamal titled "Ek Alor Pather Jatri (A Traveller of the Road of Light)" was screened.

Later, the prime minister unveiled a memorial pictorial book on Sheikh Kamal.

Meanwhile, the prime minister distributed Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council Award-2022 among nine sports personalities and two organizations in seven categories.

The premier joined the award distribution ceremony virtually in city's Osmani Memorial Auditorium from her official residence Ganabhaban, organized on the occasion of the 73rd birth anniversary of Freedom Fighter Shaheed captain Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On behalf of the prime minister, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel handed over the awards among the recipients.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has nominated nine sports personalities and two organisations in seven categories for the prestigious Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council (NSC) Award in 2022.

Veteran sports organizer Harunur Rashid received lifetime award, while Liton Kumar Das (cricket), Abdullah Hel Baki (shooting) and Mollah Sabira Sultana (weightlifting) were given the award in sport personality category.

Emerging athletes: Diya Siddique (Archery) and Mohammad Shariful Islam (Cricket).

Sports organizer: Saidur Rahman Patel and Nazma Shamim.

Sports association/federation/sports organization: Bangladesh Olympic Association.

Sports sponsor: Green Delta Insurance Company Limited.

Sports journalist: Kashinath Bashak.

Each award winner received Tk 1 lakh, a crest and certificate.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports introduced the award for the first time last year on the occasion of Sheikh Kamal's birth anniversary.

The nominees for this award have been finalized after being scrutinized by the concerned committee in the light of specific criteria for recognition of their outstanding contribution to sports.