Dhaka, March 31 -- Following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's remarks, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for Bangladesh's sports arenas to remain free from politics.

Addressing sports organisers and players on Tuesday, Fakhrul urged them to "step away from political influence" in the sporting arena.

"We have always believed that politics should have no place here. It is most painful when talented athletes are left out of a club or national team because of political reasons," he said while visiting Motijheel's Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Speaking directly to State Minister for Sports Md Aminul Haque -- a former national football team captain and accomplished player -- Fakhrul said: "Our young sports minister ...