Non-communicable diseases account for a significant number of deaths in Bangladesh each year, accounting for 67% of the country’s total deaths, of which about 22% are premature deaths. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer cause physical and economic damage to individuals and families. To address these issues, premature death can be prevented by adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, controlling tobacco use, and reducing environmental pollution.
In this light today 6 July 2024 in the meeting room of the National Sports Council, the speakers expressed this opinion in the discussion meeting organized by the Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA) on “Initiative to increase public involvement in sports and physical activity in all districts, sub-district and unions of the country”. Representatives of 30 federations and associations of the National Sports Council participated in the meeting.
Speakers said that all districts, sub-district and unions of the country need playgrounds and budgets to increase public involvement in sports and physical activity. And in this case the role of local government is important. Curriculum of all schools and colleges should be improved with emphasis on physical education. Local government institutions such as Municipalities, Union Parishads, and City Corporations have to preserve fields, parks, and ponds for sports with budget allocations. Swimming should be made compulsory at school level to save children’s lives. Besides, other sports such as chess, football, karate, cycling, and handball should be expanded to the grassroots. In the meeting, the drafting of the local government policy and the draft of the national sports policy to create an environment for sports and physical education was called for.
Asaduzzaman Kohinoor, General Secretary, Bangladesh Handball Federation, said in the meeting. Taherul Alam Chowdhury (Swapan), General Secretary, Bangladesh Cycling Federation, Md. Sahabubul Alam Rana, General Secretary, Bangladesh Hockey Federation, Public Health Specialist Professor AP Sarwar, Aminul Islam Bakul and Syed Mahbubul Alam Center for Law and Policy Affairs (CLPA).