Khulna, Aug 08 (V7N) – A total of 3,269 students from 46 schools in Khulna city have received awards for their participation in a year-long book reading programme organized by the World Literature Centre.
A colourful day-long award distribution festival was held at the auditorium of St. Joseph's High School in Khulna on Friday (August 7), with Grameenphone providing full support for the event.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Director of the Mobile Library Project Md. Billal Hossain Khan, former Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University and Trustee of the World Literature Centre Professor Muhammad Ali Naqi, Additional District Commissioner of Khulna Irufa Sultana, along with educationists, engineers, science organizers, teachers and representatives of various institutions attended the programme.
The event began with students of St. Joseph's High School performing the national anthem. Later, guests presented awards to the winning students and encouraged them to develop the habit of reading books.
In his welcome speech, World Literature Centre Executive Director Khundkar Md. Asaduzzaman expressed gratitude to the students, guardians, teachers, organizers and sponsors for making the year-long programme successful. He urged students to participate more enthusiastically in future book-reading activities.
Speaking at the event, Md. Billal Hossain Khan said reading books, engaging in cultural activities and participating in sports can help reduce children's and adolescents' dependence on mobile phones. He encouraged students to read more books and develop healthy habits.
Professor Muhammad Ali Naqi said students should not restrict themselves to textbooks and should cultivate the habit of reading creative literature and quality books. He noted that good books not only tell stories but can also connect with readers' thoughts and emotions.
Of the 3,269 students receiving awards this year, 2,257 were presented with awards directly on stage, while awards for students from the remaining 16 schools were handed over to representatives of the respective institutions.
Among the award recipients, 2,254 received awards in the 'Shubechcha' category, 923 in the 'Abinandan' category and 92 in the 'Best Reader' category. Of the total recipients, 1,146 were boys and 2,123 were girls.
For the first time this year, organizers also introduced an online awareness course titled 'Online Safety Fundamentals' for students. The course aims to provide children, adolescents and their parents with basic knowledge about safe and responsible internet use.
An 'Online Safety Corner' was also set up at the venue to raise awareness among parents and teachers about children's online safety and responsible digital behaviour.
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