Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the country's children and young people to prepare themselves for the future, saying that building a stronger generation is essential to building a better Bangladesh.
“Never think of yourself as small. Build yourself up. The stronger you build yourself, the more beautifully you will be able to build your Bangladesh,” he said while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the National Round of the Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26 at Bangladesh Army Stadium in Dhaka on Monday afternoon.
Upon his arrival at the stadium, the prime minister walked around the venue, acknowledged greetings from children and teenagers in the galleries, and interacted with young participants by exchanging greetings and shaking hands with them.
Addressing the young participants, Tarique said Bangladesh could progress further if the younger generation equipped itself with the knowledge, skills, and discipline needed for the future.
“I firmly believe that among the thousands of young friends sitting in the gallery, there will be good doctors, architects, engineers, cricketers, swimmers, and tennis players,” he said.
“You have proved that today. Good people will emerge from among you who will take the country forward.”
He said the future of Bangladesh depended on today's children and urged them to study with dedication while also actively participating in sports.
“You have to study attentively when it is time to study. But when it is time to play, you also have to play with the same level of concentration,” he said.
The prime minister said the government would continue supporting children and young people in education, music, art, and sports.
“If you want to study, we will make arrangements so that you can study properly. If you want to sing, paint, or participate in sports, the government will make its utmost effort to support you in every way,” he said.
At one stage of the program, Tarique asked the young audience who wanted to help build Bangladesh and invited them to raise their hands. Thousands of children and teenagers responded together, drawing his appreciation.
He also urged the media to give greater prominence to children's sports, saying the young athletes represented the future of Bangladesh.
“Today's event that you have witnessed is the future of Bangladesh. Those sitting under the pavilion and in the gallery are the future of Bangladesh,” he said.
“I request that, among all the news you have tomorrow, the news of these children's games and these young people who represent the future should be given prominence in your newspapers and broadcast media.”
The prime minister also encouraged children to play an active role in protecting the environment by discouraging littering, helping clean ponds, rivers, and canals, planting at least one tree every year, and caring for animals and birds.
“This country belongs to all of us. If we work together to protect the light, air, and environment of this country, we will be able to live in a beautiful environment,” he said.
He said the government would continue standing beside children and young people to help them develop their talents.
“We may have started the work of building Bangladesh, but you have to carry that work forward,” he added.
Congratulating all participants and winners of the Notun Kuri Sports competition, Tarique also thanked parents, teachers, and coaches for supporting the young athletes throughout the competition.
“When you see these children establish themselves nationally and internationally, all of our hearts will be filled with pride,” he said.
Expressing hope for the future, the prime minister said today's participants would one day win trophies for Bangladesh on the international stage.
In the football finals of Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26, Sylhet Region emerged champions in the boys' category after defeating Mymensingh Region 1-0, while Rangpur Region claimed the girls' title with a 4-0 victory over Rajshahi Region.
Earlier, at around 4pm, the prime minister watched the girls' football final, as well as the girls' and boys' 100-meter sprint events, before distributing prizes among the winners. He also enjoyed a cultural performance presented by schoolchildren.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over the trophies to the winning teams and also distributed crests, medals, and checks among the participants.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque, State Minister Shyama Obaed, Mir Helal, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, among others, attended the event.
The program was chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque, while Sports Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam also addressed the ceremony.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the inaugural edition of the Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26 program at Sylhet District Stadium on May 2 under the slogan, "On the Path of Dreams, With Victory." The theme of this year's competition was "Let Sports Be a Profession, Let Families Find Support."
Around 170,000 athletes aged 12 to 14 from upazilas and districts across the country competed in eight disciplines. Following a nationwide talent selection process, the shortlisted athletes advanced to the national round, which was held at various venues across Dhaka.