PHOTO: BCB/BFF

As per tradition, the sporting community of the country observed the 56th Independence Day yesterday, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman attending an exhibition football match between former national players -- divided into Red and Green teams -- at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The PM also received a commemorative jersey from former national goalkeeper and now State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, who also participated in the match. Speaking on the occasion, the PM urged a vibrant sports culture. “I believe that sports can bring honour to the nation and are capable of creating a beautiful bond of friendship and brotherhood among us,” he said. Meanwhile, former Bangladesh cricketer Mohammad Rafique rolled back the years at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, guiding BCB Red to a commanding victory over BCB Green with an all-round performance in an exhibition cricket match.