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BanglaPress Desk: "You are the ones who must build and shape this Bangladesh. You must establish Bangladesh as a strong nation on the global stage. Each of you is an ambassador for Bangladesh, and you are the true owners of this country."
On Thursday afternoon (November 5), Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered these remarks while serving as the chief guest at the inauguration of 'Notun Kuri Sports 2026-27 (Season 2)'—an initiative held at the Khulna District Stadium aimed at discovering the athletic potential of children and adolescents and encouraging them to pursue sports as a profession.
During the vibrant event, organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, he officially inaugurated the competition by releasing balloons and doves. The event was presided over by the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque.
As he spoke, students and young athletes in the stands waved to the Prime Minister, while the children and teenagers erupted with excitement upon seeing him in their midst.
The Prime Minister stated that a strong and prosperous Bangladesh would be built through the development of the intellect, talent, and creativity of its children and youth. To achieve this goal, alongside their academic studies, they must also cultivate skills in sports, arts, culture, and foreign languages.
Emphasizing the importance of nurturing the multifaceted talents of the youth, Tarique Rahman noted that academic education alone is not enough. Every child must also develop proficiency in sports, the arts, and cultural pursuits; after all, one cannot conquer the world through formal education alone. To excel globally, one must be adept in knowledge, sports, arts, and culture alike.
He added, "Through your studies, some of you will become doctors, engineers, architects, or lawyers. But alongside these, you must also engage with sports, art, and culture."
The Prime Minister further remarked that the students from the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP)—who performed dances, songs, and other cultural acts during the event—demonstrated that they are capable of excelling in every field. Children and adolescents across the country must also come forward to develop their multifaceted talents. You can do it! You can excel in academics, sports, and also in the arts and culture.
She noted that the participation of 1.6 million children and adolescents proves that there is no shortage of talent among the nation’s youth. It is now the government’s responsibility to create the necessary opportunities and environment for them. The final round of this event will take place this coming June. Children and adolescents from over 500 upazilas, municipalities, districts, and various other administrative units across the country are participating in this competition online.
The Prime Minister stated that the government aims to foster an environment where children can engage in sports and cultural activities alongside their studies, without any hindrances. To this end, the necessary facilities will be developed gradually.
Highlighting a plan to provide children with the opportunity to learn a third language, she mentioned that, in addition to Bangla and English, children will be given the choice to select one language from six or seven other foreign languages.
Earlier, at 2:45 PM, the Prime Minister arrived at the Khulna District Stadium. She then officially inaugurated the second edition of the 'Notun Kuri Sports' (New Buds Sports) event by releasing balloons and pigeons.
Simultaneously, the Prime Minister inaugurated the competition online across 503 upazilas nationwide. Present on the occasion were the National Parliament Whip and Member of Parliament for the Khulna-3 constituency, Rakibul Islam Bokul, along with local Members of Parliament and leaders of the BNP.
During the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister enjoyed various performances by students from the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP). She also watched traditional Chinese 'Dragon Dance' and 'Lion Dance' performances presented by Chinese students.
At the conclusion of the event, the Prime Minister planted a tree sapling on the grounds of the Khulna District Stadium.
