Don't represent any political party: PM to sportsmen

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged professional sportsmen not to represent any political party or group, reports bdnews24.com.
He made this appeal to players on Monday morning at an event where Sport Cards were distributed among them.
He said, "The last thing I want to say… this is a bit serious, but I truly mean and believe it, which is why I want to say it. If you have patriotism, determination, and team spirit, I firmly believe that no one will be able to hinder your successful progress."
"Dear sportsmen, I earnestly request all of you-during your professional sporting careers, please do not represent any political party or group." "Rather, through your sporting excellence, become representatives of the country. You are bringing honour and pride to the nation. By winning victories at home and abroad, you will, by the grace of Allah, establish Bangladesh in a higher position of dignity in the global sports arena."
The prime minister was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Sport Cards and allowance distribution programme held at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister's Office in the city on Monday morning.
Before delivering his speech, the prime minister inaugurated the Sport Cards and allowance distribution programme. As he pressed a button on a laptop, Tk 100,000 was instantly transferred to each player's mobile phone through Sonali Bank's online system. At the event, he handed over Sport Cards to 129 sportsmen and also honoured those who achieved success at the international level.
In his speech, Tarique outlined his government's plans to develop professional players and promote sports across the country.
He said, "Today's event is exceptional. We have gathered people here who are completely non-political. Yet, these individuals have brought great recognition to the country purely through their own merit."
"Those who have won today in various events-each of them had competitors. It is because of those competitors that their victories became meaningful and enjoyable. They did not celebrate alone; rather, the entire nation shared their joy." He added, "In sports, losing does not mean defeat; rather, it is a part of winning. If you lose today, In Sha Allah, you will win tomorrow."
"Einstein once said, as far as I remember, that a person who has never failed has never tried anything." The prime minister congratulated the awardees, as well as the players, coaches, and officials.
He said, "In today's world, sports has become a profession. Just like accounting, engineering, or the legal profession, sports is also becoming a professional field. As the world progresses this way, Bangladesh will not fall behind-we will move forward, In Sha Allah." He said that the current government, elected through a democratic process, had made commitments to the people regarding various sectors, including sports. Now, in a new format focused on discovering young sports talent, "Notun Kuri Sports" will begin nationwide, starting in Sylhet on April 30. "We promised that if given the opportunity to govern, we would establish sports as a profession. Today's event marks the beginning of fulfilling that promise."
He further stated that the government has begun implementing a structured salary system for sportsmen so that they can pursue sports professionally without financial uncertainty.
"For the first time in the country's history, players are being brought under a salary structure and given sporting allowances."
He added that the government has already introduced various welfare initiatives, including Family Cards, allowances for imams, khatibs, and religious leaders of other faiths, as well as nationwide canal excavation programmes.
He announced that the "Farmer Cards" programme will begin on April 14, stating that the government is gradually fulfilling its pledges to improve the living standards of the people. "In line with that, today we have launched the 'Sport Cards'."
He also said that individuals with physical disabilities who are still capable of contributing to sports will receive Sports Cards. "With the motto 'Sport for All,' the government is taking comprehensive initiatives to provide opportunities at home and abroad for underprivileged groups and people with special needs who wish to participate in sports."
He emphasised that although cricket and football are the most popular sports in the country, many other sports-such as archery, boxing, yoga, gymnastics, carrom, weightlifting, wushu, swimming, para-swimming, athletics, para-athletics, karate, sepak takraw, table tennis, kabaddi, volleyball, wheelchair basketball, bridge, futsal, and badminton-have strong potential to bring international recognition with proper support.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh recently became champions in the SAFF Women's Futsal tournament for the first time.