Describing little learners as the future of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged them to prepare themselves for the responsibilities of nation-building by pursuing education and actively participating in sports and cultural activities.
“I want each of you sitting in the gallery to become ambassadors of Bangladesh…You will have to take responsibility for the country, because you are the future,” he said, while inaugurating “Notun Kuri Sports” programme at Sylhet District Stadium.
He also described the participating children as the main guests of the event, which was held simultaneously in all 64 districts across the country.
“Now you must study, prepare yourselves, and play sports. Those who want to learn music will be supported, those who want to become musicians will be supported, and those who want to become athletes will also be supported,” Tarique added.
Amid loud applause from the young audience, the Prime Minister said he did not want to read a written speech and preferred to speak directly to them.
Pointing at the students, he said international-standard athletes, doctors, lawyers, and engineers and other professionals would emerge from among them in the days to come.
“You will lead the country. There will be MPs, ministers, even future presidents and prime ministers from among you,” Tarique added.
He also said the country’s future depends on the younger generation and the current students.
“Our time is almost over. Now Bangladesh is looking towards you. We will start the process, and you will have to take the country forward,” the Prime Minister said.
When he asked whether the young students were ready, they responded loudly, “Yes.” The Prime Minister replied, “Yes, everyone will be able to do it, Insha’Allah.”
The Prime Minister also shared the story behind the idea of the “Notun Kuri Sports” programme.
He said the concept was first discussed about four and a half years ago during a meeting in London with Sports Minister Aminul Haque.
Tarique recalled that the discussion took place over a meal at a restaurant, where he was accompanied by his wife and others..
At that time, while talking about various issues related to Bangladesh, the conversation turned to sports development.
He said that during that informal discussion, they decided to launch the “Notun Kuri Sports” initiative in Bangladesh.
Explaining the idea further, he said the programme is designed for children like those present in the stadium gallery, as well as students connected online across all districts of the country.
A documentary on the “Notun Kuri Sports” programme was screened, followed by the theme song “Amra Notun, Amra Kuri” at the programme organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Later, students from BKSP demonstrated eight sports disciplines in the open field of the stadium, including cricket, kabaddi, football, athletics, chess, badminton, swimming and martial arts. The Prime Minister watched the performances with much enthusiasm and encouraged them with applause.
Students from various educational institutions and people from different walks of life attended the event in the stadium gallery.
The Prime Minister later formally inaugurated the “Notun Kuri Sports” programme simultaneously in all 64 districts of the country.
He also unveiled the trophy and logo of the initiative and met participating students on the field.
The programme is being implemented by the Sports Directorate under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It is inspired by the popular 1980s “Notun Kuri” talent hunt programme, now revived to discover sporting talent.
State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque and Sports Secretary Mahbub-ul Alam also spoke at the event.
Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haq Chowdhury, Adviser Humayun Kabir, Chief Whip GK Gaus, MPs Tahsina Rushdir Luna and MA Malek, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, and senior government officials, among others, were present.
With this launch, the “Notun Kuri Sports” initiative officially began its journey to identify sporting talent among children and teenagers across the country.
The programme aims to find promising athletes from the grassroots level and develop them into skilled sportspeople.
State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque said the initiative is a landmark step in strengthening the country’s sporting sector.
He said “Notun Kuri Sports” will serve as a strong platform for developing skilled athletes for the future.