DHAKA, March 26 (V7N) — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today announced plans to launch a new nationwide sports talent hunt programme titled ‘Notun Kuri Sports’, aimed at identifying and nurturing young athletes across Bangladesh.

Speaking at the National Stadium while distributing prizes after a friendly football match, the Prime Minister said the initiative would complement the iconic children’s cultural programme Notun Kuri.

“As you know, we pledged in our election manifesto to create new players for various sports and give the sector a professional structure,” he said.

“Alongside the ‘Notun Kuri’ programme, we have decided to introduce ‘Notun Kuri Sports’. We plan to organize inter-class sports competitions in every school at district, upazila, and union levels,” he added.

The match was organized by the Bangladesh Football Federation to mark the Independence and National Day. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the match and watched it alongside his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman.

Extending greetings on the occasion, Tarique Rahman emphasized the government’s goal of improving Bangladesh’s performance in international sports.

“We want Bangladesh to earn more honour in global sporting arenas. We are working to develop skilled players who can deliver better results internationally,” he said.

Calling for unity, the Prime Minister urged all stakeholders in sports to work together beyond political differences to build an inclusive and strong sports sector.

“I believe sports can create bonds of friendship and brotherhood, just as it can bring honour for the country,” he added.

Among those present at the function were Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.

END/AJ/RH/