Describing students as the country’s future, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said the next generation of leadership will emerge from them.
He urged students to build themselves through both edStudentsucation and sports, calling on them to take responsibility for the country.
“I want each of you to become an ambassador of Bangladesh,” he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the sports talent hunt programme “Notun Kuri Sports” at Sylhet Stadium in Rikabi Bazar.
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, featured a documentary screening and the theme song “Amra Notun, Amra Kuri.”
The Prime Minister, who is also Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman, encouraged students to pursue sports alongside studies.
“You have to study and play. You have to build yourselves,” he said, adding that opportunities will be created for those interested in sports, music and other fields.
Addressing students in the stadium and those joining virtually from across 64 districts, he said they were the “chief guests” of the event.
“Our time is nearly over. Bangladesh is now looking towards you. You will have to take the country forward,” he said, drawing a strong response from students.
He said future Members of Parliament, ministers, Prime Ministers and Presidents will come from among today’s students, urging them to develop skills.
“The Bangladesh of tomorrow depends entirely on you,” he said.
Recalling the origin of the programme, he said the idea of “Notun Kuri Sports” emerged around four and a half years ago during discussions with current State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque in London.
Before the speech, the Prime Minister watched demonstrations by Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP) students in eight disciplines including cricket, kabaddi, football, athletics, chess, badminton, swimming and martial arts, and applauded their performances.
He formally launched the programme simultaneously in Sylhet and all 64 districts, unveiling its trophy and logo.
He later met student participants on the field and exchanged greetings.
The PM also released pigeons and environment-friendly balloons. His wife Dr Zubaida Rahman was present.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque and ministry Secretary Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam 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, Prime Minister’s Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Whip Md GK Gouse, Mst Tahsina Rushdir Luna MP and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury.
Students from various educational institutions and people from different professions attended the event.
The programme is a continuation of the popular “Notun Kuri” talent hunt of the 1980s, and is being implemented by the Sports Directorate under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
