Prominent speakers, including writers, educators, and government officials, highlighted that entertainment has caused a decline in reading.
They also emphasised that reading books is vital for national and youth development, stating that the government should focus on nationwide reading activities and child-friendly books should be chosen for libraries.
These remarks were made at an award-giving ceremony organised by the National Book Centre, which was held at the National Music and Dance Centre Auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital on Monday.
Cultural Affairs minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP attended the ceremony as its chief guest, while Professor Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq, writer-journalist Shahnaz Munni, and writer-translator Sabidin Ibrahim spoke at the event chaired by the secretary of the ministry, Kaniz Maula.
The director of the National Book Centre, Afsana Begum, delivered the welcome speech at the event, where awards were presented to 20 readers from across the country in two categories. These readers submitted their reading responses to two books: Humayun Ahmed’s short story Tomader Jonno Bhalobasha and Zahir Raihan’s historical novel Arek Falgun.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury emphasised that outstanding leadership is indispensable for driving families, communities, and the entire nation forward.
‘A prolonged fascist rule has led to the degradation of the country’s education, culture, and state establishments. We must develop the nation, and our youth will create an impact through their reading, learning, and innovation,’ he said, adding that the ministry would continue to provide the necessary support for the development of the country’s public libraries.
Sabidin Ibrahim said that the judging process was completed by evaluating the readers’ spontaneous reading responses. He emphasised that emotional intelligence is essential for future leadership, along with IT knowledge.
Mostak Gausul said that by reading the story Tomader Jonno Bhalobasha, children will develop a love for science and the world. He added that people must take care of the world and look after one another.
Kaniz Maula said that they need to connect with youth and know their reading habit for collecting books. She also urged readers to recommend books names for library on Facebook page of the Centre.
A total of 667 readers and students from 72 libraries across the country participated in the program. The winners were awarded a book worth 3,000 taka, a prize bond worth 3,000 taka, and a certificate.
In addition, all other participating student-readers who reached the final evaluation received a book worth 1,000 taka, a prize bond worth 1,000 taka and a certificate.
