Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on the country’s children to prepare themselves as capable, responsible and compassionate citizens, saying Bangladesh’s future prosperity depends on the younger generation’s commitment to education, sports and character building.
“If today’s children can build themselves properly for the future, only then will it be possible to build a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony of ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26’ at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in the capital.
Education and Sports Go Hand in Hand
Addressing thousands of children and young athletes, the Prime Minister said the government is working to build a stronger Bangladesh, but its success will ultimately depend on how well the next generation prepares itself.
“We are working to build the country properly. But we can do this work successfully only when you—those sitting in the gallery today and those who have received awards on the playing field—prepare yourselves for the future,” he said.
He urged children to pursue both education and sports with equal dedication.
“Study with commitment, and play with the same commitment,” he told the young participants.
Emphasising self-development, Tarique Rahman said today’s children would become tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, architects, scientists and internationally acclaimed athletes.
“Among the thousands of children present here are the successful doctors, engineers, architects, cricketers, swimmers and tennis players of tomorrow who will take Bangladesh forward,” he said.
He expressed confidence that many of the young athletes would one day bring international honours and trophies for Bangladesh.
Children Asked to Protect the Environment
The Prime Minister also appealed to children to become active guardians of the country’s environment.
He urged them not to allow littering in their neighbourhoods and encouraged them to politely discourage others from throwing plastic bottles and waste into streets, rivers, canals and ponds.
“If necessary, pick up the litter and dispose of it in the designated place,” he said.
He further encouraged children to work together with their friends to help keep rivers, canals and ponds clean.
Calling for greater environmental awareness, Tarique Rahman urged every child to plant at least one tree every year near their homes, schools or other suitable locations.
“If we can plant more trees, our environment will become greener and cleaner, and we will all be able to breathe fresh air,” he said.
Compassion for Animals
The Prime Minister also encouraged children to show kindness toward animals and birds, describing them as valuable national assets and an essential part of nature.
He urged them to care for domestic animals and birds and ensure that no unnecessary harm comes to any living creature.
“These are the wealth of our country. We should try our best to take care of the living creatures that Allah has created,” he said.
Better Opportunities for Every Child
Highlighting infrastructure challenges faced by many educational institutions, Tarique Rahman said the government is working continuously to improve learning environments across the country.
He assured children that the government would support them in whichever field they aspire to excel, whether academics, sports, music, art or other creative pursuits.
The Prime Minister also appealed to journalists and media organisations to give greater prominence to children’s achievements.
“Political and social issues often receive the highest priority in the media. But these children and their initiatives represent the real future of Bangladesh,” he said.
He requested newspapers and electronic media to highlight children’s accomplishments more prominently.
Colourful Closing Ceremony
After delivering his address, the Prime Minister distributed prizes among the national-level winners of ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26’ and joined them for a group photograph.
Earlier, upon arriving at the Bangladesh Army Stadium, Tarique Rahman was welcomed by thousands of students and young athletes.
He toured the field, greeted participants, interacted with children in the galleries and watched the girls’ football final as well as the boys’ and girls’ 100-metre sprint finals.
The programme also featured a documentary on ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26’ and a cultural performance by children dressed in red and green.
On the occasion, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque presented a commemorative crest of ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26’ to the Prime Minister.
The event was presided over by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, while Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam delivered the welcome address.
Among those present were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, senior government officials, athletes, coaches and thousands of students.
