(BSS)- The present government is giving equal importance to all kinds of indoor and outdoor games, to take Bangladesh’s sports sector to new heights.

As part of this initiative, the “First Division Badminton League 2026" has begun at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Indoor Stadium in Paltan today (Friday).

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque formally opened the meet as the chief guest.

Speaking as the chief guest during the inauguration ceremony, Aminul said the present government is prioritizing all sports equally. To ensure professionalism among athletes, 300 players from 28 federations have already been brought under a monthly salary structure of Taka 100,000.

He also mentioned that badminton has been included among the eight disciplines in the “Notun Kuri Sports” program launched on May 2, which is expected to play a major role in developing skilled shuttlers from the grassroots level.

Highlighting plans for sports infrastructure development, the minister announced that the government has undertaken a plan to build “Sports Villages” in all 64 districts of the country.

Construction of ten such sports villages will begin this year, each will be equipped with modern indoor stadium facilities.

Responding to a request from the Bangladesh Badminton Federation, the minister directed authorities to take immediate steps to install air-conditioning facilities at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Indoor Stadium. He also advised the federation to take necessary measures to appoint a foreign coach on a two-year contract to ensure quality training.

The minister added that sports can help keep young people away from drugs and immoral activities while contributing to the development of a healthy nation.

After inaugurating the badminton league at the indoor stadium, the minister also inaugurated the “Independence Day Age-Group Roller Skating meet at the roller skating ground.