Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday described students as the “gamechangers” for future Bangladesh, saying the country's progress in science, innovation, sports and global competitiveness will depend on the younger generation.

“You are the gamechangers of Bangladesh. The gamechangers of Bangladesh are sitting in front of me today. You will build Bangladesh and its future. You will lead the country forward and keep it ahead in competition with other nations,” he said.

The Prime Minister was addressing the Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing and Tree Plantation Launching Programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

The event, organised by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, brought together students from across the country to showcase their innovative ideas, science projects and creative initiatives.

Prime Minister's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman was present at the programme.

Addressing the students, Tarique Rahman said visiting the exhibition and seeing the projects displayed by young innovators filled him with confidence about the country's future.

He recalled attending a school-level sports event at the Army Stadium a few days ago and said the combination of talented young athletes and innovative students convinced him that Bangladesh has a bright future ahead.

“When I saw your projects today and remembered the young footballers I met earlier, I felt confident. I thought, yes, we can do it. A country with such talented young people can certainly move forward,” the Prime Minister said.

He said the government is investing in education, sports, culture, science and innovation because the future of Bangladesh belongs to today's students.

Citing that the young generation is in the centre of the government’s all endeavours, Tarique Rahman said, “We may not be here forever, but you will be here. You will build Bangladesh and lead the country in the future,” he said.

He said the government is introducing reforms aimed at helping students develop a wide range of skills so that they can compete successfully with their peers around the world.

The Prime Minister said the current government wants students to excel not only in science and technology but also in sports, culture, languages and vocational skills.

As part of that effort, he said, schools and colleges will receive greater support for sports competitions, cultural activities and innovation programmes.

Tarique Rahman also highlighted plans to strengthen language education, saying students should be encouraged to learn a third language alongside Bangla and English.

Knowledge of additional international languages, he said, will create new opportunities for higher education, employment and international engagement.

The Prime Minister noted that students with multiple skills – whether in technology, arts, sports or vocational training – will be better prepared for future challenges and opportunities.

“If you learn new skills, develop your talents and improve your abilities, you will be able to compete with young people from any country in the world,” he said.

At the programme, Tarique Rahman formally launched a nationwide tree plantation campaign and urged every student to plant at least one tree every year.

He said environmental protection must become a shared responsibility as Bangladesh faces growing challenges from climate change, urbanisation and environmental degradation.

“I want a gift from each of you. Every year, plant at least one tree wherever you live, study or play. That will be your gift to me and to the country,” the Prime Minister told the students.

He said nearly 90,000 saplings were planted across the country on Monday through the programme, with thousands of educational institutions participating virtually.

Tarique Rahman said the campaign will help create a greener Bangladesh while encouraging young people to take responsibility for protecting the environment.

He urged students to help keep the country clean and protect the environment, saying Bangladesh’s future depends on the younger generation.

The Prime Minister called on them to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and discouraging littering in public places. “We often admire how clean other countries are. But nobody from outside comes here to make our streets dirty. We do it ourselves. We must change this mindset and work together to keep our country clean,” said.

When students responded positively to his appeal, he said they should encourage others not to throw rubbish in public places and help maintain cleanliness in their schools, neighbourhoods and communities.

Tarique Rahman also linked environmental protection with innovation, saying a cleaner and greener environment will inspire young people to think creatively, develop new ideas and contribute to the country's progress.

The event was held under the theme “Bangladesh First – A Nation of Talent, Science, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.”

Earlier addressing the same programme after witnessing the parade of BNCC cadets, the Prime Minister praised the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) for its contribution to developing leadership, discipline, patriotism and moral values among young people.

He said the BNCC, founded in 1979 under the initiative of late President Ziaur Rahman, plays an important role in preparing students through basic military training and social welfare activities.

Tarique Rahman said the government has already begun work to expand BNCC activities across educational institutions and involve more young people in its programmes.

Expressing satisfaction after witnessing the cadets' parade, he said he was impressed by their discipline, professionalism and dedication despite having only a short preparation period.

The Prime Minister said proper investment and support for BNCC will further strengthen its role in developing leadership qualities, patriotism and moral character among the country's youth.

He congratulated the cadets on their outstanding performance and also thanked BNCC officers, trainers and organisers for making the programme a success.

At the beginning, Tarique Rahman inaugurated a nationwide tree plantation programme for secondary educational institutions by planting a sapling on the premises of the conference centre.

Under the slogan “One Child, One Tree,” he also virtually launched simultaneous tree plantation activities at more than 29,000 secondary schools across the country.

The Prime Minister later visited the “Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing” exhibition and toured stalls displaying innovative projects developed by students.

He praised the students for their creativity and encouraged them to continue pursuing scientific innovation and creative thinking.

Earlier, the Prime Minister and his wife Zubaida Rahman handed over “Innovative Talent Awards” to students from several educational institutions for their outstanding science and innovation projects. St Joseph Higher Secondary School of Dhaka emerged as the champion of the competition.

Upon arriving at the venue, Tarique Rahman received a guard of honour from a BNCC contingent.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were, among others, present.

The programme was attended by startup entrepreneurs, students and representatives from various government and private organisations.