Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that building a healthy, talented, disciplined and confident younger generation is the government’s highest priority, stressing that the integrated development of education, sports, culture and technology will lay the foundation for Bangladesh’s future progress and prosperity.
In a post published on his verified Facebook page on Sunday (July 26), the Prime Minister said sports should be viewed not only as a means of physical fitness, entertainment or competition, but also as a viable professional career. He noted that the government has taken initiatives to integrate sports into the national education curriculum with that objective.
Tarique Rahman said sports play a vital role in building a healthy, energetic and compassionate society, describing them as a powerful tool for human resource development, national unity and enhancing Bangladesh’s international image.
Talent Development from the Grassroots
The Prime Minister said the government is implementing continuous programmes to identify sporting talent from the grassroots and develop athletes capable of competing at the international level.
He described the national sports talent hunt initiative as an important step toward establishing a sustainable foundation for the country’s long-term sporting development and congratulated everyone involved in the programme.
Highlighting the importance of sports in youth development, Tarique Rahman said today’s children and adolescents are the future of Bangladesh.
“There is no alternative to sports for nurturing hidden talents, strengthening physical and mental abilities, and developing young people into responsible citizens with positive values,” he said.
He added that participation in sports helps instil discipline, perseverance, leadership, mutual respect, tolerance and patriotism.
‘Notun Kuri Sports’ to Expand
The Prime Minister described ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ as a landmark government initiative designed to identify, nurture and develop sporting talent among children aged 10 to 14 from remote parts of the country.
He expressed confidence that the programme would become a strong foundation for producing future national athletes capable of representing Bangladesh with distinction on the global stage.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to modernising the country’s sports sector, Tarique Rahman said talented athletes would receive long-term training, necessary institutional support and priority admission opportunities at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP).
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that talent, hard work and merit remain the only criteria for success in sports.
New Events Added
The Prime Minister announced that table tennis and volleyball will be included in the upcoming ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2026-27’, increasing the total number of events from eight to ten.
He also said the participant age limit has been expanded from 12–14 years to 10–14 years, enabling more young athletes to take part in the programme.
Expressing optimism about the future, Tarique Rahman said he hoped these young athletes would one day proudly carry Bangladesh’s red and green flag on the international stage and bring honour to the nation.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister congratulated the young athletes, coaches, judges, organisers, volunteers and all others associated with the successful implementation of the inaugural ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26’, while wishing success for its closing and prize-giving ceremony.
