Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described young students as the country’s “imminent future,” saying the next generation of leadership will emerge from them.
He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of the ‘Notun Kuri Sports-2026’ programme at Sylhet Stadium in Rikabi Bazar.
Calling on students to develop themselves through both education and sports, he said they must prepare to take responsibility for the country. “You have to build yourselves. You are the future of Bangladesh,” he said, encouraging them to become ambassadors of the nation.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, featured a documentary screening and the theme song “Amra Notun, Amra Kuri.”
Addressing students present at the stadium and those joining virtually from all 64 districts, the Prime Minister called them the chief guests of the event. He asked whether they were ready to lead the country forward, to which the students responded enthusiastically.
He said future leaders—including members of parliament, ministers, prime ministers and presidents—will come from today’s youth, urging them to grow as skilled and capable individuals.
Sharing the origin of the programme, Tarique Rahman said the idea of ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ was conceived about four and a half years ago during a discussion in London with State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque.
Earlier, the Prime Minister witnessed demonstrations by students of the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) in eight disciplines, including cricket, kabaddi, football, athletics, chess, badminton, swimming and martial arts, and praised their performances.
He later formally inaugurated the programme simultaneously in Sylhet and across all 64 districts, unveiling its logo and trophy. He also greeted participating students on the field and released pigeons and environment-friendly balloons to mark the occasion. His spouse Zubaida Rahman accompanied him.
State Minister Md Aminul Haque and Secretary Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam also spoke at the event.
Among others present were Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Whip Md GK Gouse, MP Tahsina Rushdir Luna, and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury.
The programme is a continuation of the popular ‘Notun Kuri’ initiative of the 1980s and is being implemented by the Sports Directorate under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.