Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has said the government wants students to remain engaged in both sports and studies throughout the year, which will positively shape their intellect and mindset.
He said the future generation will elevate Bangladesh to a unique position on the world map as a strong nation, adding that in the coming days, children from Chandpur will lead in sports across the country.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at the programm of “Notun Kuri Sports-2026,” organised by the district administration at Chandpur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Recalling the past, the minister said former President Ziaur Rahman had initiated a nationwide talent hunt through the “Notun Kuri” cultural competition, which produced many talented artists.
He said the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has now taken the initiative to identify talented individuals in sports across the country through “Notun Kuri Sports.”
Bangladesh did not achieve its rightful position in the global sports arena in the past, he said, adding that the programme aims to ensure that the country’s youth can compete at the international level and secure that position.
Highlighting the social context, the minister said a form of moral decline had been observed among the youth in the past, with many falling into drug addiction, and the previous government did not take effective steps to address the issue.
He said the PM now aims to ensure education through enjoyment, and the “Notun Kuri Sports” initiative is intended to improve the lifestyle of young people and bring them back to a healthy path through sports.
The Ministry of Education has already started regular sports competitions from primary to university levels, and this initiative will continue in the future, he added.
The event was presided over by Additional District Magistrate Nazmun Nahar.
Chandpur-3 Member of Parliament Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Chandpur-4 Member of Parliament MA Hannan and Chandpur-5 Member of Parliament Engineer Mominul Haque spoke as special guests.
The programme, conducted by Executive Magistrate of the Deputy Commissioner’s office Md Nazmul Huda, was attended by invited guests including Superintendent of Police Md Robiul Hasan, District Council Administrator Salim Ullah Selim, Municipality Administrator Md Ershad Uddin, Sadar Upazila Executive Officer SMN Jamiul Hikma and Chandpur Press Club President Sohel Rushdi.
Later, the Milon formally inaugurated “Notun Kuri Sports-2026” by releasing balloons, in the presence of participating students.
Earlier, although Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had launched the programme simultaneously across the country, Chandpur district could not be connected to the central event at that time due to natural disasters.
