United News of Bangladesh

The much-anticipated revival of ‘Notun Kuri’, Bangladesh Television’s iconic children’s talent hunt, will formally be re-launched on April 30, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to inaugurate the programme in a new, expanded format. Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Adviser on the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, made the announcement at a press conference held at the PID conference room on Tuesday, following a meeting with the Prime Minister. Zahed, who also serves as Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy as well as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said the revamped competition will now include sports alongside its traditional focus on cultural talent among children and adolescents. ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ to be introduced to groom new athletes, says PM He also revealed that a nationwide book reading competition will be launched soon to encourage students to develop reading habits. Highlighting the history of the programme, the adviser said ‘Notun Kuri’ was originally launched during the tenure of the BNP government under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, focusing on cultural activities. “This time, its scope is being expanded to include sports. As you know, discussions were held with the Prime Minister regarding introducing similar talent-hunt initiatives in other areas as well,” he added. “We want to engage our young generation in as many creative and beneficial activities as possible through such competitions. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it on April 30,” Zahed said.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) is bringing back its legendary children’s talent hunt show ‘Notun Kuri’, the state-run broadcaster announced on its official social media handles last night (Tuesday), sparking a wave of nostalgia and celebration among viewers. Once a cultural phenomenon in the country’s mono-channel era, Notun Kuri aired on BTV from 1976 until its final broadcast in 2006, discovering generations of young talents in singing, dancing, acting, recitation and other performing arts. The show was originally created by eminent artist Mustafa Monwar and became a launching pad for numerous prominent figures in the arts and entertainment industry. Following Tuesday’s announcement, many of the show's fans, former contestants, and cultural enthusiasts took to social media to share their excitement and fond memories of watching or participating in the programme. BTV has not yet disclosed details about the audition process, broadcast schedule or format changes for the revived season. Bigg Boss 19: Wife of Pahalgam terror attack victim may join Salman Khan’s reality show First aired in 1966 on Pakistan Television and relaunched on BTV after Bangladesh’s independence, ‘Notun Kuri’ became an enduring part of the country’s cultural heritage, known for nurturing young performers from across the nation. Over the decades, ‘Notun Kuri’ introduced audiences to a host of talented youngsters who went on to become household names. These include actors Tarana Halim, Rumana Rashid Ishita, Tarin Jahan, Meher Afroz Shaon, Nusrat Imroz Tisha, Zakia Bari Mamo, Tamalika Karmakar, Sabrin Saka Meem and Azad Rahman Shakil; singers such as Samina Chowdhury, Haimanti Rakshit Das and Mehbooba Mahnoor Chandni; and other cultural figures who went on to make their mark in film, television, theatre and music. For many, the show was not just a competition, but the first step towards lifelong artistic careers. ‘Notun Kuri’ ceased airing in 2006 due to changing media landscapes, financial constraints at BTV, and the emergence of private television channels offering diverse entertainment options. Over time, sustaining the nationwide auditions, live broadcasts, and judging processes became challenging amid shifting programming priorities and limited institutional support. It was previously reported that the show would make its long-awaited return in 2020; however, it did not happen due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite its long hiatus, ‘Notun Kuri’ remains a beloved symbol of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, and enthusiastic audiences are rejoicing over the announcement of its much-anticipated return.