United News of Bangladesh

Former national football team captain Aminul Haque has been appointed as the State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the technocrat quota. Aminul, a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been active in politics following his retirement from professional sports. His appointment comes after a period of political struggle; during the previous Awami League government, he faced imprisonment and harassment. In the recently concluded 13th National Parliamentary Election, Haque contested from the Dhaka-16 constituency but lost by a narrow margin. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially welcomed the appointment on Tuesday. In a media statement, BCB President Aminul Islam congratulated the new State Minister, noting that his background would be an asset to the administration. "The appointment of a distinguished sports figure like Aminul Haque as State Minister for Youth & Sports is a significant step for Bangladesh," the BCB President said. "Having led the national football team with pride, he understands the realities, challenges, and aspirations of athletes firsthand". While his playing career is highlighted by leading Bangladesh to the 2003 SAFF Championship title, he is now tasked with steering the nation's sports administration as its top guardian.