Colourful opening ceremony planned

The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) has decided to hold a colourful opening ceremony for the final phase of the inaugural Bangladesh Youth Games at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

The decision was made by the steering committee of the Games, chaired by BOA president and Army Chief general Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, on Monday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to witness the opening ceremony as chief guest on March 9.

The ceremony will include a march-past by the eight participating divisions, fireworks and a laser show alongside display-based dramas of the country's historic moments such as the 1952 language movement, 1969 mass revolution and the liberation war. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 7 March speech will also be played.

Other than that there will also be a cultural show where Sabina Yasmin, James and Habib Wahid will perform.

"As the Youth Games are being held for the first time, we have to create some vibe among the athletes and we want to do it by holding a colourful opening ceremony. But we are not going to hold it on a large scale; rather we will do it with minimum requirements," said BOA secretary general Syed Shahed Reza.

It has been learnt that the BOA have already spent Tk 8.5 crore to complete the district and divisional level competitions and they will need a further Tk 3-4 crore for the final phase, barring the expenditure of the opening ceremony which is yet to be decided.

Nearly 2,500 athletes from 20 disciplines are expected to fight for 157 gold medals, which may increase due to the late addition of squash. The steering committee has also fixed all premier venues to host the events of 21 disciplines.