(BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain today described drugs as a major obstacle to the country`s development, stressing the need to engage young people in sports and cultural activities to protect them from addiction.

He made the remarks while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the Junior National Karate Championship 2026 at Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.

The minister said young people could be protected from the devastating effects of drugs by involving them extensively in sports and cultural pursuits.

With proper guidance and quality training, he said, the younger generation could bring honour to the country on the international stage.

Dr Zahid said the government was firmly committed to building an inclusive and humane Bangladesh, adding that achieving this goal required the active participation of people from all walks of life.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had continued various initiatives to promote sports and culture, aiming to guide future generations towards healthy, drug-free lives.

The minister also highlighted the `Notun Kuri` and `Notun Kuri Sports` programmes, saying these initiatives had been organised to keep children, adolescents and young people away from drugs.

He urged parents to encourage their children to participate regularly in sports and physical exercise.

Around 1,600 competitors representing 79 teams from across the country participated in the two-day championship, which featured 59 events.

At the closing ceremony, Dr Zahid distributed medals and trophies among the winners of different events.

Bangladesh Karate Federation President Engineer Abdus Sobhan chaired the programme.

Director of the National Sports Council Zahid Parvez Chowdhury, Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation Vice-President Shahadat Hossain and former Bangladesh Karate Federation President Shahzada Alam attended the event as special guests.

Sports enthusiasts, organisers, coaches and athletes from different parts of the country were also present.