BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said that the nation has been freed from dictatorship and emphasized the importance of focusing on nation-building.
“The people of this country have removed dictatorship. Now is the time to build the nation,” Tarique said on Thursday while virtually addressing the final match of the Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament at the Barobari Shaheed Abul Kashem College ground in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila this afternoon.
Stress the importance of nurturing talent across various sectors, Tarique said, “There are many talented doctors and engineers in Bangladesh. However, developing skilled professionals should not be limited to these fields. We must also cultivate skilled players and cultural workers from the younger generation. A well-rounded society needs individuals excelling in their respective talents.”
He said that individuals should be identified for their specific aptitudes and supported to reach national and international standards.
“By focusing on their strengths, whether academic, professional, or artistic, we can develop a skilled generation,” Tarique added.
Reflecting on the legacy of his father, Ziaur Rahman, Tarique pointed out initiatives such as “Notun Kuri”, a programme designed to discover talent in various disciplines.
“If the BNP forms a government in the future, we will reinstate programmes like Notun Kuri to identify and train talented individuals to meet national and international standards,” he said.
On sports development, Tarique proposed selecting 10 prominent sports in the country to nurture skilled players. “If needed, they will receive the necessary training to achieve excellence,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of skill development for future generations.
“Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman established the Shishu Academy to ensure a bright future for children. We must continue building on his vision to shape a skilled and capable generation that can contribute nationally and internationally.”
The programme was presided over by former deputy minister and Organising Secretary of the BNP Executive Committee Asadul Habib Dulu. BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas and Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie attended as special guests.
