Rajshahi Proposed as Hub for Bangladesh Sports Science University
Rajshahi: Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu has said that establishing a Sports Science University in Bangladesh is now a timely demand, expressing optimism that the institution will be set up in Rajshahi.
“Sports Science University will be established in Rajshahi, InshaAllah,” he said, adding that Rajshahi is one of the country’s most important education hubs and should lead the journey of such a specialized university.
He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing a seminar and reception titled “The Necessity of a Sports Science University in Bangladesh,” organized by Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Physical Education College at the auditorium of Rajshahi College.
The minister said Rajshahi has long been recognized as a city of education and culture, hosting universities, medical colleges, technology universities, and other higher education institutions. Therefore, he noted, the city is an ideal location for a specialized institution like a Sports Science University.
He further said the current government is prioritizing the sports sector alongside overall national development. Through initiatives including the “Notun Kuri” sports competitions, opportunities are being created to nurture the hidden sporting talents of young people. He also mentioned that the introduction of monthly allowances for national athletes reflects the government’s sports-friendly approach.
Calling Rajshahi “our pride and our roots,” the minister described the city as peaceful, education-friendly, and rich in heritage, making it suitable for establishing an international-standard university.
Mentioning that a large area of land would be required for the university, he suggested that a suitable location could be selected on the eastern or western outskirts of the city. In this context, he also referred to the previously proposed site for a medical university in Nawdapara, noting that sufficient khas land is available there.
The event was chaired by Principal of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Physical Education College, Md. Abdullah Al Mahmud Salam Biplob.
Advocate Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon, District Council Administrator and freedom fighter Advocate Ershad Ali Esha, and Principal of Rajshahi College Professor Dr. Md. Ibrahim Ali were present among the special guests.
The keynote discussant at the seminar was former Vice-Chancellor of Islamic University, Kushtia, Professor M. Rafiqul Islam.
Other discussants included former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Varendra University Professor Dr. Nurul Hossain Chowdhury, President of Zia Parishad at University of Rajshahi Professor Dr. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, President of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Alim, and UTAB President Professor Dr. Md. Mamunur Rashid.
The keynote paper was presented by Acting Director of the Department of Physical Education at Islamic University, Kushtia, Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, and ICCR and PhD Fellow at Punjabi University, Sharmin Akter Shanta.
DBTech/TR/MUM/OR
