PM Tarique Rahman Meets Schoolboy Whose Viral Smile Concealed Personal Tragedy

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday met Tahsin Abdullah, the schoolboy whose cheerful smile captured national attention during the closing ceremony of Notun Kuri Sports 2025–26, after discovering the heartbreaking story behind the now-viral photograph.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka, where the Prime Minister spent time speaking with the young student, encouraging him to pursue his ambitions and presenting him with several gifts, including a drone set, a basketball and a football personally signed by him.

Tahsin, a seventh-grade student of Milestone School and College in Uttara, lost his elder sister, Tasmia, in the devastating fighter jet crash that struck the school campus in July last year. Despite carrying the emotional burden of that tragedy, his joyful expression while greeting the Prime Minister during the recent sports event resonated with thousands of people across social media.

According to Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, the photograph immediately drew the Prime Minister's attention. After learning about Tahsin's personal loss, Tarique Rahman directed officials to arrange a meeting with the boy.


Rumon said Tahsin and his father were initially told they were being taken to an office inside the Secretariat without revealing the destination. The young student only realized he was entering the Prime Minister's Office after arriving at the building.

Upon seeing the Prime Minister, Tahsin was overwhelmed with excitement. He greeted Tarique Rahman warmly and described the unexpected encounter as one of the happiest moments of his life.

Officials said the Prime Minister spoke with Tahsin in a relaxed and friendly manner, asking about his studies, hobbies and future aspirations. During the conversation, Tahsin expressed his dream of becoming a successful businessman who could create products and ideas that would positively impact society.

Tarique Rahman praised the student's ambition and advised him to remain dedicated to his education while continuing to participate in sports and other positive activities. He encouraged Tahsin to work hard toward his goals and never lose hope despite the challenges he had faced.


The meeting also included a memorable moment when Tahsin requested the Prime Minister's autograph on the basketball he had received as a gift. Tarique Rahman gladly fulfilled the request, adding to the boy's excitement.

Tahsin's father, Nazmul Haque, later shared the painful memories surrounding the loss of his daughter. He recalled that both of his children had been attending classes in different buildings when the military aircraft crashed into the school.

After hearing the explosion, Tahsin reportedly rushed to search for his elder sister. Believing she might still be alive, he waited nearby holding bottles of saline and water in the hope that she would need them. Unfortunately, his sister never returned.

Nazmul Haque said the tragedy deeply affected his son, who gradually lost the cheerful personality he once had. During a counselling session following the incident, Tahsin wrote about missing his sister, describing her as his closest friend and expressing the emotional pain he continued to carry after her death.

The Prime Minister also offered his condolences to the grieving family, expressing sympathy over the loss they had endured during the tragic accident that shocked the nation.


Following the meeting, Tahsin said he had never imagined he would have the opportunity to meet the country's leader. He described the visit as an unforgettable experience and said he was eager to share the news with his classmates.

The young student added that he felt comfortable throughout the conversation because the Prime Minister treated him with warmth and kindness. He also toured parts of the Prime Minister's Office, admired the collection of model vehicles displayed there and even captured a selfie with Tarique Rahman using his father's mobile phone.

Senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office, members of the press wing and representatives of Amra BNP Poribar were present during the meeting, which concluded with words of encouragement for Tahsin as he continues rebuilding his future after an unimaginable personal loss.