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.

Bangladesh's GM Niaz Murshed and GM Enamul Hossain shared the 3rd position along with 14 other players, securing two and a half points each after the 4th round matches of the Asian Continental Individual Chess Championship 2021 Monday. The other Bangladeshi players, IM Abu Sufian Shakil and IM Mohammad Farhad Rahman earned two points each while FM Subrota Biswas earned one and a half points. The ongoing Hybrid Chess is also an event to qualify for the FIDE World Chess 2021. Read: Prizes of 1st Division Chess League’ 21 handed over In the day's 4th round, GM Niaz Murshed drew with Indonesia's CM Aditya Bagus Arfan, GM Razib beat Kazakistan's WIM Nazerke Nurgali, FM Subrota lost to Indonesia's GM Susanto Megaranto, IM Shakil beat the Philippines' Gladmir Chester Romero while IM Fahad beat Jimmy Dano of the same country. The 5th round games will be held Monday from 12noon Bangladesh time and the Bangladeshi players will play from the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall room.