The State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has said the government plans to leverage sports tourism to further elevate the global appeal of Cox’s Bazar, which is already a well-known destination among international travelers.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Qute 8th National Surfing Tournament at Laboni Point of Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach on Friday (April 3), he said there are plans to develop modern stadium facilities in the area to offer unique sporting experiences, similar to those in other countries.
He stressed that cooperation from all stakeholders would be essential to implement such initiatives.
The state minister said the government has taken steps to make sports mandatory in the fourth grade of the national curriculum, aiming to build a healthy and strong generation.
He also highlighted the importance of encouraging young people to consider sports as a profession alongside education, noting that parental support is crucial in shaping this mindset.
The government has already introduced sports allowances and sports cards, enabling athletes to access various state benefits.
Aminul Haque said the government is giving top priority to sports development. Nationwide talent-hunting initiatives under youth competitions will identify promising athletes in several popular events.
He expressed hope that young surfers from Cox’s Bazar would represent Bangladesh with distinction on the international stage.
Sources said more than 100 surfers participated in the Qute 8th National Surfing Tournament, competing in challenging waves despite the intense heat. The competition includes 25 female surfers.
The program also honored seven surfers who represented Bangladesh at Asian surfing events.
The event was formally inaugurated with the release of colorful balloons, marking the start of a two-day tournament.
Following the inauguration, the state minister visited Cox’s Bazar International Cricket Stadium, Bir Sreshtho Ruhul Amin Stadium, and the BKSP Cox’s Bazar regional training center in Ramu.
The event was chaired by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan and moderated by journalist MR Mahbub, president of the Cox’s Bazar chapter of BSPA. Special guests included Member of Parliament for Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency Lutfur Rahman Kazal, president of the Bangladesh Surfing Association Major General (retd) AKM Mujahid Uddin, and Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapal, Asia president of World Archery. Welcome remarks were delivered by Moazzem Hossain Chowdhury Rokon, general secretary of the Bangladesh Surfing Association.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
