Bangla Press Desk: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stated that a strong and prosperous Bangladesh will be built through the development of the intellect, talent, and creativity of its children and adolescents. To achieve this goal, alongside their academic studies, they must also acquire proficiency in sports, arts, culture, and foreign languages.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2026-27’ (Season 2), held on Thursday afternoon (November 5) at the Khulna District Stadium.
He said, “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 an owner of this country.”
Emphasizing the importance of developing the multifaceted talents of children and adolescents, Tarique Rahman noted that academic study alone is not enough. Every child must also cultivate skills in sports, arts, and cultural pursuits, as academic education alone is insufficient to conquer the world. To progress globally, one must excel in knowledge, sports, arts, and culture alike.
He added, “Through your studies, some of you will become doctors, engineers, architects, or lawyers. But alongside this, you must also engage with sports, arts, and culture.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that students from the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP)—who performed dances, songs, and other cultural acts at the event—demonstrated that it is possible to excel in all fields. Children and adolescents across the country should similarly come forward to develop their own diverse talents.
Encouraging the youth, he said, “You can do it. You can excel in your studies, in sports, and likewise, in the arts and culture.”
Noting that over 1.6 million children and adolescents have already participated in the second edition of ‘Notun Kuri Sports,’ the Prime Minister announced that the final round of the event will take place next June. Children and adolescents from over 500 upazilas, municipalities, districts, and various other administrative units across the country are participating in this competition online.
She stated 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 Prime Minister remarked that the government aims to foster an environment where children can pursue their studies while also engaging in sports and cultural activities without any hindrances. To this end, the necessary facilities will be developed gradually.
Outlining 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 able to choose one language from a selection of six or seven foreign languages.
She said, "If you excel in your studies, demonstrate proficiency in sports and the arts, and learn a third language, then no nation in the world will be able to hold you back."
Tarek Rahman stated that one day, Bangladesh will evolve into such a strong and prosperous nation that it will serve as an example to the rest of the world. At that point, there will be no need to cite other countries as models; instead, the world will look to Bangladesh as an example.
Addressing the children and adolescents, he said, "This country belongs to you. It is up to you to build it. Each of you must develop yourselves into an ambassador for Bangladesh."
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 in the country.
Accompanying her were the State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, and the National Parliament Whip and Member of Parliament for the Khulna-3 constituency, Rakibul Islam Bokul.
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. Upon entering the stadium, the Prime Minister approached the students and athletes gathered in the stands. Seeing her nearby, thousands of children and teenagers erupted with excitement, greeting her with applause and by waving their hands. The Prime Minister responded by waving back, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the stadium.
Following the event, the Prime Minister planted a tree sapling on the premises of the Khulna District Stadium.
Later, she visited the Khulna Circuit House grounds, where she walked around the field, exchanged greetings, and shook hands with the people gathered there. At 5:22 PM, she departed for Dhaka by helicopter.
For this edition of the ‘Notun Kuri’ (New Buds) sports competition, 1,623,218 participants from across the country registered online. Volleyball and table tennis have been added to the existing eight sports, bringing the total to 10 disciplines in which children and teenagers aged 10 to 14 can participate.
The inaugural edition of this competition—held under the theme "A Career in Sports Brings Security to the Family"—was launched on May 2 in Sylhet.
