Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged children to unlock their fullest potential through education, discipline and sports, saying the stronger they become, the better they will be able to build Bangladesh.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26 at the Bangladesh Army Stadium, he said the responsibility of building a prosperous Bangladesh will ultimately rest on the shoulders of children, asking them to prepare for this.

"You have to build yourselves properly. The future of Bangladesh is looking at you. Bangladesh is looking at you. If you can develop yourselves, we will be able to build a beautiful Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said.

He said the government could create opportunities, but it will be the country's young generation that carries Bangladesh forward in the future.

“We may have only begun this journey, but it is you who will have to take the task of building Bangladesh forward," Tarique Rahman told thousands of schoolchildren, as the stadium erupted in applause.

He said tomorrow's doctors, engineers, architects, scientists, athletes and national leaders will emerge from among today's children, including those gathered at the stadium.

"Never think of yourselves as small or insignificant. The stronger you build yourselves, the better you will be able to build Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said.

He asked the children to raise their hands if they are committed to helping build the nation, drawing an enthusiastic response from thousands of young spectators at the stadium.

Tarique Rahman also urged them to remain equally dedicated to both their studies and sports, saying excellence in academics and athletics should go hand in hand.

Seeking their cooperation, he appealed to children across the country – not only those present at the stadium but also those watching on television and online – to help keep the country clean.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh belongs to everyone and stressed that protecting its environment will ensure cleaner surroundings where children could grow up, study and thrive in a healthy atmosphere.

He also called on children to discourage littering, dispose of waste in designated places, protect rivers and ponds from pollution and plant at least one tree every year.

Tarique Rahman urged them to treat animals with kindness and protect birds and wildlife, saying they are valuable parts of the country's natural heritage.

"If you see anyone throwing waste into rivers, ponds or public places, stop them. If possible, clean it yourselves. This country belongs to all of us and we must keep it clean," he said.

Assuring the children of the government's continued support, the Prime Minister said opportunities will be created for those interested in education, music, arts and sports.

"The government will do its best to support you, whether you want to study, sing, paint or play sports," he said.

Congratulating the winners, Tarique Rahman also thanked parents, teachers and coaches for their dedication in nurturing the country's young sporting talent.

He expressed hope that one day these young athletes will bring international glory to Bangladesh by winning trophies on the global stage.

Before delivering his speech, the Prime Minister made a special appeal to journalists and editors to give prominent coverage to the achievements of children participating in Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26, describing them as the future of Bangladesh and the country's greatest hope.

He requested editors of both print and electronic media to make the event a lead story.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh faces many challenges, but the achievements and potential of its children also deserve equal attention.

Later, he distributed prizes among the winners and encouraged young athletes.

The Prime Minister toured the stadium, waving to thousands of children and teenagers in the galleries and responding to their cheers.

He also greeted the young participants, exchanged pleasantries and shook hands with them, drawing enthusiastic applause from the students in attendance.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman watched the girls' football final as well as the boys' and girls' 100-metre sprint finals before presenting trophies and awards to the winners.

He also enjoyed a colourful display performed by schoolchildren.

In the boys' football final, Sylhet Region defeated Mymensingh Region by 1-0 to claim the title, while Rangpur Region beat Rajshahi Region 4-0 to win the girls' championship.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and other senior officials attended the event.

Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26, held under the slogan "On the Path of Dreams, Alongside Victory," began on May 2 this year with the inauguration of its regional phase at the Sylhet District Stadium. The theme of this year's competition was "Sports as a Profession, Prosperity for Families."

The inaugural edition of the competition attracted nearly 170,000 young athletes aged between 12 and 14 from districts and upazilas across the country, competing in eight sporting disciplines.

Following regional competitions and talent selection, the national phase was held in Dhaka, bringing together the country's most promising young athletes.