Tarique drives student-built go-kart at PMO premises

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today praised a college student for building a go-kart using local technology and assured him of support to develop more advanced versions in the future.

To encourage Rizwan Rashid, the prime minister himself sat in the vehicle and drove the go-kart at the Tejgaon Prime Minister’s Office premises a short distance, smiling as he tested the controls.

Rizwan designed and built the small racing vehicle, drawing attention for his hands-on engineering effort.

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Photo: PMO

“Young people should be more involved in such creative work,” the prime minister said, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The PM was seen examining its structure, engine setup, and design, whilst officials and security personnel stood by.

Witnesses said the prime minister also spoke briefly with the student and appreciated his initiative, describing such efforts as important for promoting practical learning and innovation among young people.

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Photo: PMO

The go-kart appeared to be a lightweight, locally assembled vehicle, fitted with a small engine and a basic metal frame.

PMO officials said the interaction reflected the government’s emphasis on encouraging youth innovation, technical skills, and hands-on education.

Rizwan said he was overwhelmed after the prime minister drove the go-kart.

He said he had never imagined that the prime minister would drive a vehicle made by him, adding that the experience had inspired him. Rizwan said he drove the go-kart from Mohammadpur in the capital to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The matter came to the prime minister’s attention after it went viral on social media.

Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Ruman was later assigned to look into the matter.

During the meeting, Rizwan shared the story behind the project.

He said his father is a diploma engineer working in the mechanical department of the Ministry of Education, and that he began the work with his father’s encouragement, said the release.

After completing his HSC examination in 2025, Rizwan said he wanted to use his free time productively. Although his family offered to buy him a motorcycle, he chose instead to build a car due to his interest, despite financial constraints.