Sylhet: Describing the young students as the country's "imminent future," Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized the emergence of future leadership from among them. He urged students to build themselves through studies and sports, stating, "I want each of you, who are sitting in the gallery, to become an ambassador of Bangladesh. You will have to take the responsibility of Bangladesh because you are the future of the country."
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister made these remarks during the inaugural ceremony of the sports talent hunting program 'Notun Kuri Sports' at Sylhet Stadium in Rikabi Bazar this afternoon. The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where a documentary on 'Notun Kuri Sports' was screened, and the program's theme song, 'Amra Notun, Amra Kuri,' was played.
Tarique Rahman, also the ruling BNP chairman, encouraged young students to engage in sports alongside their studies. He emphasized the importance of personal development, stating, "Now you have to study and play. You have to build yourselves. Whoever wants to become an athlete will become an athlete. At the same time, whoever wants to learn singing will learn singing, whoever wants to become a musician will become a musician. We will make arrangements for that, InShaAllah."
Addressing the students present at the ceremony and those participating virtually from all 64 districts, the Prime Minister acknowledged them as the chief guests of the event. He highlighted the students' role in the country's future, saying, "Little friends, our time is almost over. Now Bangladesh is looking towards you. We will start . . . you will have to take Bangladesh forward. Can you do it?" The students responded affirmatively, to which the Prime Minister expressed his confidence in their abilities.
He further noted that future members of parliament, ministers, prime ministers, and presidents of Bangladesh would emerge from among the current young students. Tarique Rahman urged them to groom themselves as skilled individuals, stating, "Each of you has to grow up. Only then Bangladesh will grow. The Bangladesh of tomorrow depends entirely on you. The better and more beautifully you grow, the more beautifully and on a stronger foundation Bangladesh will be built."
The Prime Minister also shared the story behind 'Notun Kuri Sports,' which originated from a conversation with Aminul Haque, the state minister for youth and sports, during a visit to London. They decided to launch the program in Bangladesh, aiming to nurture sports talent among the youth.
Earlier, Tarique Rahman enjoyed demonstrations by BKSP students across eight sports events, including cricket, kabaddi, football, athletics, chess, badminton, swimming, and martial arts. He applauded the students' performances and formally inaugurated 'Notun Kuri Sports' in Sylhet and all 64 districts, unveiling the program's trophy and logo.
The ceremony concluded with the Prime Minister exchanging greetings with student participants, releasing pigeons, and environment-friendly balloons. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, and Secretary of the ministry Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam were present, alongside other dignitaries.
The 'Notun Kuri Sports' program is a continuation of the popular talent hunting initiative of the 1980s and is being implemented by the Sports Directorate under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.