A tri-nation football tournament themed “Peace and Non-Violence” has begun at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), with an inauguration and jersey distribution ceremony held on Tuesday (11 November) in the seminar room of the university’s administrative building.

Three institutions are participating in the tournament — Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University from Bangladesh, the University of the Punjab from Pakistan and the Nepal Football Association from Nepal.

Among the distinguished guests were Professor Irshad Ahmad of the University of the Punjab; SAU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Belal Hossain; Director of the Student Counselling and Guidance Office Professor Ashabul Haque; and Australian academic Professor Declan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Belal Hossain said, “This is not a competition; this is an initiative to spread peace. It is an effort to foster harmony among the cultures and educational institutions of three South Asian countries.”

Professor Irshad Ahmad said, “All players are like my sons. We have come here to promote peace. I humbly request all players to maintain discipline on the field. Everyone should show love and play together in unity.”

The tournament is being supported by SAU’s social organisation Alokito Manush. Matches will be held each day from 3pm to 4pm on the university playground.

Students said the friendly football tournament will help strengthen regional harmony and goodwill among young people from the three participating countries.