Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, referring to the multifaceted talent of the valiant freedom fighter and martyred Captain Sheikh Kamal, said he had made a great contribution to the development of sports and culture in the country.
The Prime Minister said, "Sheikh Kamal has made a huge contribution to the cultural and sports excellence that we have today, especially after independence."
He said that the biggest thing for Sheikh Kamal was to build the country in his simple life, to be by the side of the people of the country, to improve the educational institutions or the cultural arena or the sports arena.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was speaking as the chief guest at the celebration of the 72nd birth anniversary of the martyred Captain Sheikh Kamal and the awarding ceremony of the Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council.
A total of 10 sports personalities and two organizations were nominated in seven categories for the award, which was first introduced by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the occasion of the 72nd birth anniversary of martyred Captain Sheikh Kamal.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina virtually participated in the main event held at the Shaheed Sheikh Kamal Auditorium of the National Sports Council through video conference from Ganobhaban on Thursday (August 5) morning. State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell was virtually connected to the Tokyo Olympic Games on the occasion.
Sheikh Hasina said Sheikh Kamal introduced modern football in Bangladesh, improved the sport and formed Abahani Sports Circle. Just before that Abahani Social Welfare Organization was formed.
She said one of the motives behind doing this was that there was no opportunity for sports or development of children's talents in Dhanmondi area at that time. Therefore, Kamal's aim was to create a sports environment for the children and youth of the region and he set up the organization after discussing the issue. So we were all with him as well, she added.
She said Kamal was interested in sports as well as cultural activities. He could sing wonderful songs. He formed the Spondon Shilpi Gosthi. There was also involvement with drama. He could play a wonderful setar with melodious vocals.
Mentioning that Sheikh Kamal's goal was to build better sports organizations, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of Sheikh Kamal in reshaping the country's sports arena after independence.
She said that the modern game of football or cricket in our country is a touch of modernity and he had made a significant contribution in the world of music and culture and as a student of Dhaka University he has made a great contribution to our society.
Roman Sana (Archery), Mabia Akhter Simant (Weightlifting), Mahfuza Khatun Shila (Swimming), Manzoor Quader (Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club) as Sports Organizers and Kya Shail Hn (Karate Federation), Emerging Sportsmen as Sports Athletes. ) And Fahad Rahman (Chess), Unnati Khatun (Football), Bangladesh Cricket Board in the Federation / Association / Organization category, Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Mohammad Salauddin and Muhammad Kamruzzaman as sports journalist with life time achievement and Walton Sheikh Kamal as patron received the National Sports Council Award.
As a reward, each was given Tk. 1 lakh, a crest and a certificate of honor.
Akhter Hossain, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, delivered the welcome address and handed over the prizes to the winners on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Swadhin Bangla Football Team Manager Tanvir Mazahar Tanna and Awami League Youth and Sports Affairs Secretary Harunur Rashid spoke on the occasion.
The Prime Minister unveiled a memorial book on Shaheed Sheikh Kamal.
A video on the life and work of Sheikh Kamal was presented at the event and a special munajat was held seeking forgiveness of his soul.
Last year, the Ministry of Youth and Sports officially celebrated the 71st birth anniversary of Bangabandhu's eldest son Shahid Sheikh Kamal for the first time. At the prayer of Youth & Sports ministry cabinet division took the decision of ‘Ka’ list of the government to observe the birth day of Sheikh Kamal.