PM wants to encourage new generation to read books

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants to increase children’s and teenagers’ interest in reading books. He has also emphasized introducing the younger generation to the country’s culture and heritage. To this end, he has instructed the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to take necessary steps to activate art academies across the country.

The head of government gave these instructions during a meeting with ministry officials at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon. Later, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shahadat Swadhin informed journalists about the meeting.

The deputy press secretary said the prime minister had suggested exploring whether books could be delivered to children through mobile libraries. He also emphasized developing reading habits through reading circles, book reading competitions and similar initiatives.

“Our culture spans thousands of years. But we have not been able to present it properly to the younger generation. Thanks to technology, we are becoming attracted to foreign cultures and learning about new things. But that does not mean we should forget our own culture. We need to think about how we can present our culture and heritage to the younger generation more extensively,” Shahadat Swadhin said, conveying Tarique Rahman’s remarks on local culture and heritage.

The meeting reviewed the Ministry of Cultural Affairs’ future action plans. Plans for various events marking the Lalon Festival and Nazrul Year were presented to the prime minister. The ministry also briefed him on its ongoing and proposed initiatives to organize winter cultural festivals from December to May.

The proposed festivals are planned to feature circuses, boat races, kite festivals, horse races, puppet shows and various events centered on rural culture. The participation of people with special needs has also been considered.

During the meeting, various institutions under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, including the July Museum, Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh National Museum, Bangla Academy and National Book Centre, presented their ongoing activities and future plans.

Addressing the officials, Tarique Rahman said, “Everyone present here has some kind of capability. Everyone must work to the best of their abilities. If we make our best efforts, together we will be able to achieve at least some of the kind of country we all want to see. We have the opportunity to do something for the country. We must make use of that opportunity.”

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Cultural Affairs Zahed Ur Rahman and Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon were among the officials present at the meeting.