The MP is visiting as part of a trip organised by the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh called Project Shapla. During the visit to Sylhet and Dhaka, he will see at first hand the work being done by a series of community groups to help local children.
To celebrate the ongoing Rugby World Cup, David will hand over kit donated by Northampton Saints as part of a concerted effort to get the youngsters playing the sport.
He said: “Rugby is not commonly played in Bangladesh, where cricket is very much the number one sport, but this is a chance to introduce them to the game at a time when it very much in the media spotlight. I am very grateful to Northampton Saints for donating kit to help the youngsters get started.”
David Mackintosh is one of four MPs making the trip, along with 30 representatives of the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh.
Chairman of the Northamptonshire branch, Naz Islam, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to spread the message of the Saints to a global audience.
“Northampton is home to one of the premier rugby clubs in the country and it’s a chance to grow the club, and the sport in general, in the sports mad communities in Bangladesh.
“We are hoping it will get people playing a new sport and will generate a massive new fanbase for the Saints as well.”
Saints donated a range of equipment including kit and balls, giving the youngsters the chance to hone their skills and learn a new sport that is currently experiencing a massive boost in its global popularity and profile.
“Rugby is a sport that is having a positive impact in many places, and we hope that the youngsters in Bangladesh can learn both the new skills used in rugby but also the principles that underpin the sport, such as teamwork, discipline, respect and enjoyment,” said Saints’ head of community Sian Haynes.
“The Rugby World Cup is bigger than ever before and is receiving global coverage, and hopefully it can help inspire young people in new areas of the world to take up the sport.”
The Conservative Friends of Bangladesh aims to foster greater understanding and sympathy for the issues and challenges faced by the country.
Chairman Mehfuz Ahmed said: “Trips such as this are vital as they help to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by the people in Bangladesh. We are very grateful to Northampton Saints for their kind donation and we hope this can make a real difference.”
For more information visit www.cfob.co.uk
