(BSS) - Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu has said that sports and cultural activities play a vital role in developing talent, creativity and self-expression among students alongside academic education.

He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony 2026 of Madinatul Ulum Kamil Madrasa in the city on Friday.

The minister congratulated students who achieved success in sports and cultural competitions, saying such achievements reflect balanced development in education.

"Sports and cultural activities are essential for developing talent and expressing oneself," he said.

Highlighting the importance of quality education, the minister said institutions like Madinatul Ulum Kamil Madrasa have played a significant role in producing skilled and disciplined students. He urged teachers to further strengthen academic and co-curricular activities so students can compete at national and international levels.

He also noted that Bangladesh is performing well in international Qur`an recitation competitions, adding that moral and religious education contributes to character building and national development.

Emphasising institutional development in Rajshahi, the minister said efforts would be made to further improve educational facilities in the region, including infrastructure expansion and long-term development planning for leading institutions.

He also advised students to engage in environmental activities such as planting fruit and medicinal trees to contribute to a greener society.

The ceremony was presided over by Md. Hashmatullah, founder of the madrasa and member of its governing body.

District Education Officer Zayedur Rahman, member of the Nationalist Lawyers` Forum Advocate Osman Goni, and Principal Mokaddasul Islam also spoke at the event.

Teachers, students, guardians, officials, and media personnel were present.

At the end of the programme, the minister distributed prizes among winners of various competitions and awarded crests to 48 students of grades five and eight who received scholarships.