Notun Kuri’ returns to foster emerging talents: Mahfuj Alam

The government's primary objective behind reviving the iconic "Notun Kuri" programme on Bangladesh Television is to inspire the new generation to practice art, literature, and culture, while creating opportunities for them to represent themselves at the national level, said Information and Broadcasting adviser Mahfuj Alam.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the "Notun Kuri 2025" talent search competition on Sunday, he recalled that the programme was first launched during the tenure of then President Ziaur Rahman in 1976. "Later, the Sheikh Hasina government shut it down for political reasons. Rising above political considerations, the present government is creating opportunities for children, adolescents, and youths to develop their talents. 

Through this initiative, a new generation of artistes, singers, and cultural activists will emerge, who will play an important role in nation-building," he said.

After nearly two decades, the competition is set to return to BTV. "Those of us who participated in the July mass uprising shared the aspiration of building a new Bangladesh. Our pledge was to re-establish Bangladesh for the new generation, to give it a fresh beginning," Mahfuj Alam added. He noted that the structure of the show remains largely unchanged, with competitions to be held in singing, dancing, speech, presentation, and storytelling. The original theme song will be preserved as part of tradition, while a new theme song will be introduced every year.