Digital financial services provider bKash, in partnership with Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, has expanded its nationwide book reading programme to Faridpur and Madaripur districts as part of an initiative to encourage reading habits and critical thinking among school students.
Under the programme, 40,000 books will be distributed to educational institutions across Bangladesh this year, the organisers said on Monday.
As part of the latest phase, books were distributed to students from several schools during separate events held at Faridpur Shishu Academy and Shilpakala Academy in Madaripur.
The participating schools in Faridpur included Halima Girls’ High School, Ishan Girls’ High School, Police Lines High School, Hitaishi High School, Faridpur High School and Tarar Mela School. In Madaripur, the programme covered Alhaj Aminuddin High School, BIAM Laboratory School, Madaripur Zila Proshason School and College, Julio Curie High School and Donovan Government Girls’ High School.
The book distribution ceremonies were attended by the Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates of the two districts. Mazharul Islam handed over books to students in Faridpur, while Marzina Akter did the same in Madaripur.
Among others present were Khandakar Md Asaduzzaman and Humayun Kabir.
To make the initiative more engaging, organisers also arranged a quiz competition on contemporary issues for students from grades six to ten. Winners of the competition received prizes at the end of the events.
The organisers said the programme is aimed at promoting a culture of reading among young learners and helping develop informed, creative and enlightened future citizens through wider access to books.