Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam today said the government’s main goal behind reviving the ‘Notun Kuri’ programme on Bangladesh Television (BTV) is to encourage the young generation in practicing arts, literature, and culture and create opportunities for them to represent themselves at the national level.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahfuj made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the children and youth’s talent hunt competition ‘Notun Kuri-2025’ as the chief guest at the state-run BTV headquarters in the city’s Rampura area. He highlighted that the programme, initially launched during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in 1976, was later shut down by the Sheikh Hasina government for political reasons.
“The current government is creating opportunities for children, adolescents, and youths to flourish their talents going above political considerations. Through this, artists, singers, and cultural activists of the new generations will be developed, who will play an important role in nation-building,” said the Adviser.
Referring to the 2024 July Uprising, Mahfuj emphasized the shared aspiration of those involved in the uprising to build a new Bangladesh and establish a new country for the next generation. He reiterated that this was their pledge.
Discussing the ‘Notun Kuri’, Mahfuj stated that there is no significant change in the programme framework. Contests will continue to be held in categories such as music, dance, recitation, presentation, and storytelling. Traditional theme songs will be played, while a new one will be released annually.
He mentioned that talents will be selected from the grassroots level through a transparent and merit-based process, with no intention from the government to favor or sideline anyone. Only those genuinely talented and capable of representing the nation will be chosen. Special measures have been implemented to reduce bias in the judging process, and any attempts to manipulate the process will result in action.