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Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has stated that children and adolescents are the future of Bangladesh. One day, you will lead the country, becoming ministers and MPs. Alongside your studies, you must also participate in sports. All of you must become ambassadors of Bangladesh.
He made these remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of ‘Notun Kuri Sports-2026’ as the chief guest at Sylhet District Stadium around 4 PM on Saturday (May 2).
The Prime Minister said, “Our country was once subjugated. Our ancestors liberated it through war. Then, after many other events, the student-people movement liberated it again in August 2024. Furthermore, all of you must set your goals and strive to achieve them. We will make all necessary arrangements. We have undertaken the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ initiative because it is from among you that the nation’s future great athletes will emerge. You must participate in sports alongside your studies.”
He added, “Whatever you aspire to be, you must set that goal and move forward. You must become the future presidents, prime ministers, judges, athletes, doctors, barristers, engineers, lawyers, architects, professors, ministers, and members of parliament.”
He further stated, “Whoever wants to sing must practice diligently to become a great artist, and whoever wants to be a musician must learn about music.” Tareque Rahman then made a pledge with the children, “This Bangladesh is yours. You will build this Bangladesh. You will make it known to the world.”
He asked the children and adolescents, “Who among you cannot take responsibility for the country? Please raise your hands.” No one raised their hand. He then asked, “Who wants to take responsibility for the country?” When everyone raised their hands, he expressed his delight.
Addressing the children, Tareque Rahman said, “You will showcase Bangladesh to the world through sports. Each of you will be an ambassador for Bangladesh.”
Emphasizing sports alongside studies, he said, “Studies cannot be compromised in any way, but you must also play. Whoever wants to be an athlete must become an athlete; whoever wants to be a singer must become a singer. The state is committed to paving that path.”
According to relevant sources, children and adolescents aged 12 to 14 will have the opportunity to participate in the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ program. Competitions will be held centering on eight sports: football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, chess, athletics, swimming, and martial arts. The entire competition has been administratively divided into ten regions: Dhaka, Faridpur, Chittagong, Cumilla, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh. Each participant can compete in a maximum of two events. At 3:45 PM, the Prime Minister, along with students from various schools, guardians, and people from all walks of life in Sylhet present in the gallery, stood to pay respect to the national anthem. The Prime Minister then arrived at the venue at 4:30 PM.
The inaugural ceremony, chaired by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque, was attended by Prime Minister’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Commerce and Industry Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Arifur Haque Chowdhury, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny, MP for Sylhet-3 M.A. Malek, MP for Sylhet-6 Advocate Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Reserved Seat MP Shammi Akter, along with top leaders of Sylhet District and Metropolitan BNP, and high-ranking officials of the administration.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque stated that the government is working to implement its electoral promise of giving top priority to the sports sector. Timely initiatives such as sports cards and sports allowances have already been launched. He added that ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ will be a major platform for talent scouting. This is the first time such a large-scale event is being launched from Sylhet, outside the capital.