Bishwo Sahitya Kendra, with support from Grameenphone, awarded 2,303 students of Rajshahi Metropolitan for their outstanding achievement in reading books across various categories on Saturday.
A day-long award ceremony was held at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Rajshahi city. The event recognized 2,303 winning students from 56 schools for their reading achievements.
The ceremony was graced by chief guests including Khondokar Azim Ahmed NDC, Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi; Deputy Commissioner Afiya Akhtar; Bangladeshi bird expert, photographer, writer, and tourist Inam Al Haque; Dr. Abdun Noor Tushar, trustee of Bishwo Sahitya Kendra; Professor Alok Maitra, organizer of Bishwo Sahitya Kendra Natore; Md. Abdur Rashid, Deputy Director of Secondary and Higher Education Rajshahi region; Professor Mazharul Islam Taru, organizer, writer and researcher of Bishwo Sahitya Kendra Chapainawabganj; Mahmudul Hasan, Regional Head of Grameenphone Business Circle Rajshahi; and Shamim Al Mamun, director of Bishwo Sahitya Kendra.
The event began with the national anthem. In his welcome speech, Divisional Commissioner Khondokar Azim Ahmed said, “Reading books opens the door to knowledge. It teaches us to think freely.” He encouraged students to read more books.
Bird expert Inam Al Haque told the awardees, “My mother was my first teacher from whom I learned life’s lessons. Despite my many academic successes, my mother’s eyes held a unique pride. I believe that a woman’s language and knowledge can beautifully shape family and society.”
Dr. Abdun Noor Tushar congratulated the awardees, saying, “Though Rabindranath is no longer with us, his thoughts live on in our hearts. Nazrul’s rebellion and Humayun’s language touch us daily. To bring change, reading books is essential.”
Mahmudul Hasan from Grameenphone Rajshahi expressed, “Youth are the future. For the development of their humanitarian and mental excellence, Grameenphone has supported this great initiative for over two decades. I congratulate today’s winners. Reading is indispensable for knowledge and mental progress. The reading program by Bishwo Sahitya Kendra is truly commendable. We are proud to be part of this initiative.”
Director Shamim Al Mamun thanked students, guardians, teachers, organizers, and sponsors for their continuous support throughout the year-long reading program. He also expressed gratitude to Grameenphone for their overall support in organizing the event. He encouraged students to participate more in the coming years.
Among the 2,303 awarded students from 56 schools, 1,664 students from 38 schools received their awards directly on stage — including 1,244 girls and 420 boys. Teachers or organizers accepted awards on behalf of students from 18 other institutions. The awards were categorized as follows: 1,117 received the Welcome Award, 728 the Greeting Award, 383 the Congratulations Award, and 75 the Best Reader Award.
Grameenphone Limited sponsored the event and the award books.
