Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Grand Master Niaz Murshed played a friendly match on Saturday while inaugurating the daylong Sheikh Russel Memorial Rapid Chess Tournament 2021.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Bangladesh Chess Federation, organised the tournament at the Foreign Service Academy as part of its greater observance of the upcoming Sheikh Russel Dibash.

Dr Momen joined the programme as the chief guest while Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen attended it as the guest of honour.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim, Grand Master Niaz Murshed and Grand Master Ziaur Rahman were present as special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Dr Momen appreciated the initiative taken by the ministry.

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He also shared his own experiences of the game while encouraging the young officers to take interest in chess citing its staggering similarities with Foreign Office’s actual works. 

Foreign Secretary Masud also emphasized the importance of chess for diplomats.

Thanking the Federation for its support, he expected the Federation to continue the same cooperation in the future.  

General Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim thanked the Foreign Ministry for taking this grand initiative and assured of continuous support to any such future initiative of the Ministry. 

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Grand Master Niaz Murshed recalled the memory of his first-ever official Europe visit as a professional chess player and thanked the ministry for all the support that it has extended to him ever since.

He also lauded the ministry for organizing this tournament.