In a significant move aimed at reforming the national sporting landscape, the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, visited the premises of the historic Abahani Limited on Saturday afternoon. This visit follows his recent inspection of the other pillar of Bangladeshi sporting tradition, Mohammedan Sporting Club. During his address at the club, the Minister, who is himself a former professional footballer, articulated a firm commitment to ensuring that the country’s sporting arena remains free from political influence and partisan agendas.
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Reclaiming Heritage and Promoting Independence
Addressing a gathering of sports organisers, athletes, and club officials, the Minister highlighted the historical significance of the rivalry between Abahani and Mohammedan, describing it as an indispensable element of the nation’s footballing heritage since independence. However, he expressed regret over the institutional trajectory of the past seventeen years, during which he claimed the club had been utilised for political purposes.
The Minister asserted that the incumbent administration has no intention of following previous precedents. Instead, the government aims to establish an environment where sporting clubs can manage their operations with total independence. He expressed optimism that by restructuring the management of Abahani Limited, the club could reclaim its former prestige across multiple disciplines, most notably in football and cricket.
Sport as a Tool for Social Reform
Aminul Haque emphasized the broader societal role of sport, particularly in safeguarding the youth from moral decline and the growing prevalence of digital device addiction. He maintained that active participation in sports serves as the most effective alternative to these modern challenges.
A notable aspect of the visit was the presence of senior officials from Mohammedan Sporting Club, who accompanied the Minister to the rival club’s grounds. Minister Haque lauded this gesture as a “shining example of sportsmanship,” noting:
“While fierce competition must exist on the field of play, it is essential that a cordial and harmonious relationship is maintained between the organisers and players of all clubs off the field.”
Sustainability and Financial Support for Athletes
The Minister further elaborated on the government’s strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s clubs. He stated that the survival of athletes is intrinsically linked to the health of the clubs they represent; consequently, the government is committed to providing sustainable support to all sporting institutions.
To establish sport as a viable professional career path in Bangladesh, the Ministry has already initiated a Sports Allowance scheme. The following figures were provided regarding this financial support:
Current Beneficiaries: 300 athletes are currently receiving a regular sports allowance.
Future Targets: The government aims to increase the number of recipients to 500 athletes in the upcoming fiscal year.
Notable Attendees and Institutional Support
The high-profile nature of the visit was reflected in the presence of several prominent figures from the Bangladeshi sporting and business communities. Accompanying the State Minister were:
Tamim Iqbal, President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Anjan Chowdhury Pintu, Chairman of Square Group.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Mamun, former Vice-President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA).
Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan, Director-in-Charge of Mohammedan Sporting Club.
Fahim Sinha and Rafiqul Islam Babu, members of the BCB Ad-hoc Committee.
The collective presence of these figures underscores a unified institutional push towards professionalising club management and decoupling the administration of sports from political cycles. The Minister’s visit concludes a significant week of engagement with the nation’s major clubs, setting a new tone for the governance of Bangladeshi sport in the 2026 season.