Bangladesh
Mental Growth Children living in flats are becoming like farm chickens: PM Hasina
Dhaka, May 11: Emphasizing on the mental and physical development of children and adolescents, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged to have playgrounds in every part of the country. "Our children, now living in all the flats, are becoming like farm chickens," she said. "They are reading all the time with mobile phones, laptops and iPads. This is not a sign of the child's mental and physical well-being."
She made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the distribution ceremony of 'National Sports Awards 2013-2021' at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday (May 11) morning.
Sheikh Hasina said children and adolescents get the opportunity to develop physically and mentally through sports and running. Highlighting the importance of sports, she said, "I believe that sports make a special contribution to the formation of the nation. Our children will also improve physically and mentally through sports and exercise."
The Prime Minister said we should be more proactive about sports. The most unfortunate thing is that there is less space for sports in Dhaka city. In the meantime, we have taken some initiatives to have playgrounds in each area. Wherever there is space, we turn it into a playground.
Addressing the parents and guardians of the child, she said, "At least I would request the parents and guardians to give the children a chance to play by throwing their arms and legs, even if only for a while. We have taken initiative to have playgrounds in each area."
Highlighting the interest in sports of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other members of Mujib's family, Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu's favorite sport was football.
Under the auspices of the government, autistic and physically challenged athletes have won 216 gold, 109 silver and 84 bronze medals at various times in the Special Olympics. In the 'Bangabandhu Four-Nations Physically Challenged T20 Cricket Tournament' held in Cox's Bazar in March this year, Bangladesh defeated India by 9 wickets to become the undefeated champions.
At the event, 85 talented players and sports organizers were given National Sports Awards from 2013 to 2020. At the beginning of the ceremony, Minister of State for Youth and Sports Md. Zahid Ahsan Russell handed over the National Sports Award to the winners. Later, prizes were handed over to 6 more winners (virtually) in the presence of the Prime Minister.
Each of the awardees will receive a 18 carat gold medal weighing 25 grams, a check for Tk 100,000 and a certificate.
