Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the prize-giving ceremony of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament at the Bangladesh Army Stadium today. Photo: PMO

DHAKA, June 20, 2026 (BSS)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged students to focus not only on sports but also on academic and creative activities.

“Besides sports, you must also excel in your studies and cultural activities. However, it is important that you participate in different kinds of sports,” he told the prize-giving ceremony of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament followed by the final matches of boys and girls at the Bangladesh Army Stadium.

The premier said his government mulls organize this Gold Cup Football Tournament at the secondary school level from next year. 

“We plan to introduce the Prime Minister’s Cup from next year,” he said.

At one point of his speech Tarique Rahman asked the children how they enjoyed playing football on the green field. When he asked who wanted to play sports, many students raised their hands, which pleased him.

The prime minister said 22 lakh boys and girls participated in this year’s football tournament. 

“It is not enough to play only football. You should also play cricket and learn swimming. You are the future of the country. Therefore, you must move forward in every field and become skilled in all areas,” he told the students.

The program began with a display of documentary accompanied by patriotic songs.
 
Students and spectators warmly welcomed the prime minister when he waved his hands to the crowd, toured the stadium, greeted the students, and congratulated them.

He then officially inaugurated the girls’ final match by releasing balloons. 
Ministry of Primary and Mass Education organized the national event. 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, “Before the election, we promised that if elected, we would promote sports throughout the country. We are working to fulfill that commitment.”

Tarique Rahman hoped the students would represent Bangladesh across the world through various sports in future.

In the girls’ final, Jorgacha United Government Primary School of Santhia Upazila, Pabna became champions by defeating Achargao Government Primary School of Nandail Upazila, Mymensingh, by 4–2 goals.

In the boys’ final, Darial Mia Government Primary School of Bakerganj Upazila, Barishal became champion by defeating Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Trishal by 1–0 goal.

Tarique Rahman said over the past one and a half months, 22 lakh boys and girls participated in 123,000 matches and events in this year’s Gold Cup tournament.

He requested the organizers to contact the Guinness Book authorities so that these achievements can be recognized and included in the Guinness World Records.

Addressing the young students, he said, “My little friends, it is not enough just to play sports. I know many of you can sing well and recite the Holy Quran beautifully. You are the future of Bangladesh. 

Therefore, you must become skilled in every aspect of life. If you can develop your talents and abilities, only then we will be able to build a beautiful and strong Bangladesh. When you grow up, it will be your responsibility to lead the country effectively.”

Tarique Rahman asked the students “Let me see who among you has the confidence to run the country successfully in the future.”

Referring to the ongoing World Cup, he said, “Ronaldo is playing well, Messi is playing, Mbappé is playing. You must become players of that caliber. We have already made plans to improve Bangladesh’s performance at the Olympic Games.”

The Prime Minister said that Bangladesh must progress significantly through sports.

“Just as the world recognizes Bangladesh through cricket, Insha’Allah, one day everyone will also know us through football, hockey, swimming, and tennis. You will be the ambassadors of Bangladesh throughout the world. You will take Bangladesh forward and help build the nation. I believe you can build a country even better than we have,” he said.

The prime minister added, “From now on, you must continue your studies, but you should never give up sports. Everyone should pursue the sport they enjoy. Sports practice must continue, and you should always be innovative. I congratulate not only the winners but also everyone who contributed to this tournament. I also thank the teachers, parents, and guardians.”

Addressing the students again, he said, “You must not abandon sports. We will do everything possible to help you grow as a confident person. You do not need to worry about anything. You must become proficient in all areas. In a few days, an innovation fair will be organized at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, where children of your age will participate.”
The Prime Minister said, “We must build Bangladesh into a strong and respected nation. We must make Bangladesh a well-known country around the world. That responsibility belongs to you because this is your future and this is your Bangladesh.”

He concluded with the slogan, “Let us work, let us build the nation-Bangladesh first.”

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, Prime Minister’s Primary and Mass Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, Member of Parliament for Pabna-1 Nazibur Rahman, Mymensingh-7 MP Dr Md Mahbubur Rahman Liton, Barishal-6 MP Abul Hossain Khan, among others, were present.

The Prime Minister handed over prize money and medals to the champion team, runners-up, best player, and highest goal scorers. Referees were also honored with awards.

The country’s largest primary-school sports event began on April 6. More than 1.1 million boys and 1.1 million girls from 65,342 government primary schools across Bangladesh participated in the tournament.

Starting from village level, the competition was held at union, upazila, district, and divisional levels before four teams qualified for the finals at national level.

According to Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, the government has set a target of increasing participation in the tournament to five million in the future, with the aim to promote sports at the primary school level and developing young talents.