Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said Bangladesh could become a beautiful and prosperous nation if today's children grow into capable and responsible citizens.

“If today's children can build themselves properly for the future, only then will it be possible to build a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony of ‘Notun Kuri Sports 2025-26’ at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in the city this afternoon.

Addressing the children and young athletes, the Prime Minister said his government is working to build the country in the right direction, but that effort would succeed only if the younger generation prepared themselves for the future through both education and sports.

“We are working to build the country properly. But we can do this work successfully only when you - those sitting in the gallery today and those who have received awards on the playing field - prepare yourselves for the future,” he said.

“Now, while studying, you have to study with dedication, and in the same way, you have to play with the same commitment,” the premier added.

Photo : PMO

Calling upon the children to focus on self-development, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh's future is depending on them.  

“We may have started the work of building Bangladesh, but it is you who will carry that work forward. The stronger you make yourselves, the more beautifully you will be able to build your Bangladesh,” he added.

The premier said, “Among the thousands of children present in the pavilion and galleries today are the successful doctors, engineers, architects, internationally acclaimed cricketers, swimmers and tennis players of tomorrow, who will take the country forward”.

“These young children and athletes will one day bring trophies and honour to the nation from the international arena. So, my little friends devote yourselves wholeheartedly to self-development,” he added.

Seeking the children’s cooperation, the Prime Minister said, “My dear little friends, I want one favour from all of you. This country belongs to all of us. If we all work together to protect the light, the air and the environment of this country, we will be able to live in a beautiful environment”.
 
“You have surely seen people throwing different kinds of waste and plastic bottles around your neighbourhood while walking along the roads. Whether it is in ponds, rivers or around your homes, if you see anyone doing this from now on, please ask them not to. If necessary, pick up the litter and dispose of it in the designated place,” he added.

He further urged the children to work together to keep rivers, canals and ponds clean. “There is another task for you. If someone throws waste into ponds, rivers or canals, and if you can, join hands with your friends and clean it up so that our environment, our rivers and our ponds remain clean. This will allow people to walk around and enjoy these places,” he said.

Photo : PMO

Urging children to play an active role in protecting the environment, the Prime Minister asked them to plant at least one tree every year near their homes, schools or any other suitable place, saying such efforts would help build a cleaner and greener Bangladesh.

“If we can plant more trees, our environment will become greener and cleaner, and we will all be able to breathe fresh air,” he said.

Calling for compassion towards animals and birds, Tarique Rahman said they were valuable assets of the country and an integral part of nature.

 He said, “There are some people who are very cruel to nature and to animals. Today, I request all my little friends to care for the dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, cows, goats and all other animals and birds around us”.

“These are the wealth of our country. We should try our best to take care of the living creatures that Allah has created and at least ensure that no harm comes to them,” he added.

Highlighting infrastructural challenges faced by many educational institutions, the Prime Minister said the government is working relentlessly to improve the learning environment across the country.

“Whatever field children aspire to excel in — whether academics, sports, music, painting or any other pursuit—the government will extend its full cooperation,” he added.

The Prime Minister also urged the journalists and media professionals to give greater priorities to children's achievements in news coverage.

He said, “Political and social issues often receive the highest priority in the media. But these children and their initiatives represent the real future of Bangladesh”.

“Therefore, I make a special request to you (journalists) to highlight their (children's) achievements and activities as lead news in tomorrow's newspapers and electronic media,” added the premier.

After delivering his speech, the Prime Minister distributed prizes among the national level winners of the 'Notun Kuri Sports 2025-2026' and joined a photo session with them.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque presided over the event while Secretary of the Ministry Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam delivered the welcome address.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived at the Bangladesh Army Stadium at 4:00 pm, where thousands of young spectators greeted him with thunderous applause after the announcement of his arrival.

After entering the stadium, Tarique Rahman waved to the children and young athletes before walking directly to the players to exchange greetings.

Photo : PMO

He toured the ground, interacted warmly with students seated in the galleries and encouraged them to pursue sports. More than 8,000 students present at the venue cheered enthusiastically during his interaction with the young participants.

The Prime Minister enjoyed the girls' football final match as well as the girls' and boys' 100-metre sprint events from the field.

Later, he came to the stage and took his seat. At that time a documentary on 'Notun Kuri Sports 2025-2026' was screened, followed by a dance performed by children dressed in red and green with the theme song of the Notun Kuri Sports.  

Tarique Rahman enjoyed the dance with fascination.

On the occasion, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque presented a commemorative crest of Notun Kuri Sports 2025-2026 to the Prime Minister.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain were present at the function, among others.