PM Urges Children to Unlock Potential for Better Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today distributed prizes among the national level winners of the Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged children to unlock their full potential through education, discipline and sports, saying a stronger young generation will be able to build a better Bangladesh.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26 at the Bangladesh Army Stadium, he said the responsibility of creating a prosperous Bangladesh would ultimately fall on the shoulders of today’s children and called on them to prepare for that responsibility.

"You have to build yourselves properly. The future of Bangladesh is looking at you. Bangladesh is looking at you. If you can develop yourselves, we will be able to build a beautiful Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said.

He said the government could create opportunities, but it would be the young generation that would take Bangladesh forward in the future.

“We may have only started this journey, but you are the ones who will have to carry forward the task of building Bangladesh,” he told thousands of schoolchildren at the stadium.

The Prime Minister said tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, architects, scientists, athletes and national leaders would emerge from among today’s children.

"Never think of yourselves as small or insignificant. The stronger you make yourselves, the better you will be able to build Bangladesh," he said.

Tarique Rahman urged children to remain equally focused on education and sports, saying academic excellence and athletic achievement should go hand in hand.

He also called on children across the country to help keep Bangladesh clean and protect the environment, saying the country belongs to everyone.

He urged them to avoid littering, dispose of waste properly, protect rivers and ponds from pollution and plant at least one tree every year.

The Prime Minister also called on children to show kindness towards animals and protect birds and wildlife as part of the country’s natural heritage.

"If you see anyone throwing waste into rivers, ponds or public places, stop them. If possible, clean it yourselves. This country belongs to all of us and we must keep it clean," he said.

Assuring continued government support, Tarique Rahman said opportunities would be created for children interested in education, music, arts and sports.

"The government will do its best to support you, whether you want to study, sing, paint or play sports," he added.

Congratulating the winners, the Prime Minister thanked parents, teachers and coaches for their efforts in nurturing young talent and expressed hope that these athletes would one day bring international recognition to Bangladesh.

Before his speech, Tarique Rahman urged journalists and editors to highlight the achievements of children participating in Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26, describing them as the country’s future and greatest hope.

He later distributed prizes among the winners and toured the stadium, greeting young participants and responding to cheers from the galleries.

Earlier, the Prime Minister watched the girls’ football final and the boys’ and girls’ 100-metre sprint finals before handing over trophies and awards to the winners.

In the boys’ football final, Sylhet Region defeated Mymensingh Region 1-0 to win the title, while Rangpur Region beat Rajshahi Region 4-0 in the girls’ final.

The event was attended by senior government officials, military chiefs, ministers and state ministers.

Held under the slogan “On the Path of Dreams, Alongside Victory,” Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26 began on May 2 with regional competitions. The tournament attracted nearly 170,000 young athletes aged 12 to 14 from across the country, competing in eight sporting disciplines. The national phase brought together the most promising young athletes in Dhaka.