Editorial, News & commercial office:
55/A, H M Siddique Mansion (Level-7), Purana Paltan, Motijhel C/A, Dhaka-1000. Phone: +8802226640056,
e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Preparations are underway for the Prime Minister's Gold Cup National Football Tournament 2026, with the nationwide competition expected to be officially launched in September.
The overall preparations, including venue management, security, publicity and administrative coordination, were reviewed at a meeting of the National Steering Committee held on Monday at the Ministry of Education. The meeting was chaired by Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon.
Officials said students from Classes VI to XII will participate in the tournament, representing schools, colleges, madrasas and technical educational institutions across the country.
The tournament is expected to be inaugurated in September by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as the chief guest.
According to the meeting, the competition aims to promote sports among students, identify promising football talent and encourage a more engaging learning environment. Both boys and girls from educational institutions across the country will have the opportunity to compete.
Dr. Milon described the Prime Minister's Gold Cup as one of the largest sporting events in Bangladesh's history, saying it would help develop students' leadership skills, discipline, teamwork, creativity and overall character.
He said the initiative is intended to ensure that talented students from remote areas receive equal opportunities to showcase their abilities at the national level. He also thanked the ministries involved for their cooperation in organising the tournament.
The meeting was informed that competitions have been launched among teachers and students under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) to design the tournament's logo, mascot, slogan, reels and theme song. Winners will receive awards.
Among those present were Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam, Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson and Adviser Mahdi Amin, along with secretaries and senior officials from different ministries.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister's Education Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the government aims to create a festive atmosphere across the country through the tournament.
He added that the ministries of sports, culture and education will jointly organise year-round events and competitions to support students' intellectual, creative and personal development.
