State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Thursday said the government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and working to build a productive youth workforce through a fair and transparent political environment.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking International Youth Day at the Film Development Corporation (FDC) in the city.

Debate for Democracy organised the programme with support from CARE Bangladesh and SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh. Its chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron presided over the event.

Aminul said the government is taking various measures to ensure young people do not remain unemployed after completing their academic studies.

Instead, young people are being encouraged to acquire practical skills through technical education and become self-reliant, he said.

Creating employment opportunities for young people can play a significant role in keeping them away from social crimes and other harmful activities, the state minister added.

“There is no alternative to sports to keep young people away from drug addiction,” he said, adding that the government is working to establish sports as a profession.

Aminul said the government also plans to develop playgrounds wherever vacant land is available across the country.

“Sports would be made compulsory from Grade Four starting from the next academic year,” he added.