Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that her government has taken some steps so that every area has at least a playground.

She regretted the shortage of open space for sports in Dhaka city and said that her government will extend all support in further development of sports.

She said this while addressing a programme to hand over National Sports Award 2013-2021 to 85 players and organisers virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The premier also put emphasis on reviving rural games and sports as the country has a proud tradition in this field.

"For these sports, huge amount of money is not needed. The authorities can arrange inter school, inter college or inter university competitions," she said.

She also requested parents and guardians to spare their children some free time, so they can go out to play in the fields – moving away from devices which are making them "physically inactive".

She underscored creating opportunities for sports, exercise and cultural activities for everyone, saying these are inevitable elements for building a nation.

"Sports, exercise and cultural activities are inevitable for a nation," she said.

Hasina asked the authorities concerned to encourage both children and adults to take part in these activities and create scope for their involvement.

"Through this our children will become good human beings and worthy citizens of the country. Their mind will be refreshed, they will not go down the wrong path. That is my belief," she said.

She asked the relevant authorities to pay special attention to children with special needs.

In this regard she said that the government has started to prepare a separate playground for them just beside the National Parliament.

"The work has begun. We are setting up an academy for them," she said.

Expressing displeasure over the slow progress of building mini stadiums in every upazila, she asked the authorities to complete those quickly.

She said that so far construction of mini stadiums at 186 upazilas has started while preparations have been taken to build mini stadiums in 171 more.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel and Secretary Mesbah Uddin also spoke at the programme.

Some 85 players and organisers got the prestigious awards for outstanding contributions in the sports arena of the country.

Each recipient got a gold medal, Tk 1 lakh cheque and a certificate.

On behalf of the PM, the state minister distributed the awards among the recipients.

A documentary on the development of sports in the country was screened at the event held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.