Kamrul Hasan: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, MP, has said that the “Notun Kuri” initiative plays an indispensable role in helping athletes gain international recognition in the sports arena.

She made the remarks on Saturday (May 2) afternoon while addressing the inaugural ceremony of “Notun Kuri-2026” as the chief guest at the Miraj-Tapan Stadium, organized by the Manikganj District Administration.

The minister said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had introduced the “Notun Kuri” program with the aim of establishing the country’s sports sector on the International stage. As a result, athletes from Bangladesh have been able to strengthen their positions globally.

She noted that the country’s sports sector had become somewhat stagnant due to the long suspension of the program. To revitalize the sector, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has relaunched the “Notun Kuri” activities, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s sports arena. She urged sports organizers and athletes to work together to maintain this momentum.

Expressing optimism, the minister said that through this initiative, athletes from Manikganj and other districts across the country would achieve greater success at both national and international levels in the future.

The aviation minister also stated that in the past, Biman Bangladesh Airlines failed to achieve the expected success due to negligence in duties and the prioritization of personal interests.

However, under the current government, significant progress has been made in improving passenger services, facilitating travel for expatriates, and ensuring smooth journeys for Hajj pilgrims.
She added, “These activities will continue in order to uphold the government’s image.” She also expressed hope that by properly fulfilling assigned responsibilities, the Concerned sector would advance further.

Calling on everyone to utilize the opportunity for free expression in a democratic environment for the welfare of the country, she said that through collective efforts, it is possible to transform the nation into a prosperous and self-reliant state.

Among those present at the event were Members of Parliament from Manikganj-1 constituency S.A. Jinnah Kabir and from Manikganj-2 constituency Engineer Moinul Islam Khan Shanto, District Commissioner Najmun Ara Sultana, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Alam, District Council Administrator Advocate Jamilur Rashid Khan, Civil Surgeon Dr. A.K.M. Mofakkharul Islam, Public Prosecutor Advocate A.F.M. Nurtaz Alam Bahar, Professor Abul Islam Shikdar, along with senior officials of the local administration, sports organizers, athletes, party leaders, and distinguished guests.
The minister sought prayers for the eternal peace of the souls of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, sports organizer Arafat Rahman Koko, former minister Harunar Rashid Khan Monno, MP, and Huron Nahar Rashid. She also prayed for the good health and long life of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as well as for the welfare and prosperity of the country.

Earlier, the minister also attended as the chief guest the inauguration ceremony of a day-long free eye camp held at the museum premises in Manikganj town. The program was organized by Rahimunnesa-Enayet and Meher-Aziz Foundation, in collaboration with the Literary and Cultural Council (Dhaka), and supervised by the Lions Club of Dhaka.