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Published : 20 Jun 2026, 09:37 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the new generation to help build a “strong Bangladesh”, urging young people to come forward in shaping the country’s global identity.
Speaking at a programme at the Army Stadium on Saturday, he said Bangladesh must be developed into a “strong” and “famous” nation.
“We have to build Bangladesh into a strong Bangladesh, we have to build Bangladesh into a famous country,” he said.
“Who will do this? You [young players] will do it, because this is your future, this is your Bangladesh. We will work, we will build the country, Bangladesh first.”
The prime minister was speaking at the national final and prize distribution ceremony of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (boys and girls) 2026.
He also encouraged children to continue participating in sports and other creative activities.
“If you leave sports, it will not work. You must always play. You should play football, swim, whatever game you like, you should play.
“Those who want to sing, play music, paint, draw, or take part in Quran recitation competitions, we will arrange everything,” he said.
“There is nothing to fear. You must grow up as confident children, confident people.”
He also stressed the importance of building skills among the younger generation and shared his childhood memories of playing with Meccano sets.
The final matches of the tournament were held at 2pm at the Bangladesh Army Stadium.
In the girls’ category, Jorgassa United Government Primary School of Pabna’s Santhia Upazila defeated Achargaon Government Primary School of Mymensingh’s Nandail Upazila by 4-2 to become champions.
In the boys’ category, Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Mymensingh’s Trishal Upazila lost 0-1 to Darial Mia Government Primary School of Barishal’s Bakerganj Upazila.
More than 22 million students from 65,342 government primary schools across the country participated in the tournament, which began on Apr 6 and ran for about two and a half months.
