Chattogram | May 02, 2026
The State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, has expressed that the highest priority will be given to the Education and Health sectors in the upcoming national budget, with record-breaking allocations. Simultaneously, he emphasized the necessity of integrating sports alongside academic studies to ensure the physical and mental development of students.
The Minister highlighted the government’s master plan while speaking as the Chief Guest at two separate events held in Chattogram on Saturday (May 02).
Speaking at a grand 'Teachers' Convention' held at the July Revolution Hall of the Chattogram Press Club at noon, the state Minister stated, "Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given a very clear message in his closing speech of the current parliament session—Education and Health will remain at the peak of our priorities. A modern Bangladesh cannot be built without a healthy and educated nation. Therefore, maximum allocation is being ensured for these two sectors in the upcoming budget."
Following the teachers' convention, the Minister attended the Chattogram M.A. Aziz Stadium in the afternoon to formally inaugurate the divisional phase of ‘Noutunkuri Sports-2026’. Notably, the nationwide launch of this program was simultaneously announced by Honorable Prime Minister Tarik Rahman MP from Sylhet.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the Convener of Chattogram City BNP and MP for Chattogram-08, Alhaj Ershad Ullah; MP for Chattogram-09, Abu Sufian; and the Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, Dr. Shahadat Hossain.
Highlighting the multifaceted benefits of sports at both the Noutunkuri Sports stage and the Teachers' Convention, Barrister Mir Helal said, "There is no alternative to sports to protect the younger generation from the horrors of drug addiction and to instill leadership qualities in them. To ensure healthy entertainment for students, Sports are being included as a mandatory curriculum from now on."
He added that this new curriculum would focus on more than just theoretical knowledge on Mental and Intellectual Development: Chess, quizzes, and creative merit tests. Physical Fitness: Cricket, football, kabaddi, and regular physical exercises. And Cultural and Artistic Practice: Music and various creative activities.
Emphasizing the modernization of the education system to face future challenges, the Minister remarked, "We want to build a generation that is not just degree-holders but can prove their excellence in the international labor market. Our goal is to develop students through a combination of 'Skill-Based' and 'Knowledge-Based' education. This will merge basic education with moral values, helping them stand tall on the global stage."
Referring to Bangladesh's continued progress despite the global economic crisis, he said, "Very few countries in the world have to manage funds as challengingly as we do. However, by the grace of Allah and the wisdom of the Honorable Prime Minister and a highly skilled Cabinet, we are successfully moving the country forward by prioritizing fundamental sectors like education and public health even amidst crises."
Both events were attended by a large number of teachers, students, and political leaders, who lauded the government's visionary initiatives.
