Children’s education, healthcare crucial in nation-building: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that investment in children’s education and healthcare is the most crucial investment in nation-building, adding that sports, culture and creative activities are essential to developing a confident and capable generation.

In a message issued on Saturday (June 20) on the occasion of the “Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (Boys and Girls) 2026,” the prime minister underscored the government’s commitment to modernising the education system.

He said the government is working to make the education system more contemporary and practical as part of its electoral pledge titled “Bangladesh First.” Under this initiative, sports will be gradually incorporated into the national curriculum from Class Four to the higher secondary level.

According to the plan, football, cricket, chess, karate and swimming will be introduced step by step into the academic framework. Students will be required not only to gain theoretical knowledge but also to participate in practical activities and assessments involving sports.

The Prime Minister said the initiative is expected to help address social challenges such as drug abuse and excessive mobile phone use by engaging students in constructive physical and cultural activities.

He noted that the government has already formulated guidelines for the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026. Under the programme, nearly 1 crore students from 65,569 government primary schools across the country have been given the opportunity to participate.

He further said that a total of 123,974 matches have been organised nationwide in both boys’ and girls’ categories this year, making the tournament one of the largest football competitions in the world in terms of participation and scale.

The Prime Minister added that the government is placing special emphasis on sports and cultural activities to ensure the physical and mental development of students, which is already contributing to the success of young athletes in national and international arenas.

He expressed hope that participants of the tournament would go on to represent the country in the future and enhance Bangladesh’s reputation on the global stage. He also wished success for the tournament.