Tarique urges 'future ambassadors' to ready themselves thru study, sports, culture

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged children to prepare themselves for nation-building through education, sports, and cultural activities, describing them as the future ambassadors of Bangladesh.

“I want each of you sitting in the gallery to become ambassadors of Bangladesh… You will have to take responsibility for the country, because you are the future,” he said while inaugurating the “Notun Kuri Sports” programme at Sylhet District Stadium.

He said children participating in the event were the main guests, adding that the initiative aims to support those interested in sports, music, and other creative fields.

“Now you must study, prepare yourselves, and play sports. Those who want to learn music will be supported, and those who want to become athletes will also be supported,” he said.

Tarique said the idea of “Notun Kuri Sports” was first discussed around four and a half years ago during an informal meeting in London with Aminul Haque, who is currently the state minister for sports.

He said the initiative was designed for children across all districts and students participating online nationwide.

A documentary on the programme was then screened, followed by the theme song “Amra Notun, Amra Kuri”. The prime minister later formally inaugurated the initiative simultaneously in all 64 districts, unveiling its trophy and logo and interacting with students.

The programme, implemented by the Sports Directorate under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is inspired by the 1980s “Notun Kuri” talent hunt, now revived to identify sporting talent at the grassroots level.

Aminul Haque said the initiative would strengthen the country’s sports sector and help develop future athletes.

Tarique’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, along with some senior ministers, advisers, MPs, and government officials, were also present at the event.