Jashore: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday unveiled a government initiative aimed at cultivating a reading habit among children, reducing their screen time, and minimizing their reliance on digital devices. During a visit to the historic Jashore Institute Public Library, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of encouraging children to engage more with books and physical activities.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Rahman expressed his vision to shift children’s focus from mobile devices to books and playgrounds. “We want to develop the practice of reading books. We want to bring children out of mobile phones and into playgrounds and books. This is our plan,” he stated while addressing citizens at the library. He acknowledged that the journey might be challenging but remained optimistic about its success, citing the presence of book lovers as an inspiration.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s plan to collaborate with citizens and organizations like the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro to foster reading habits. “We expect your support. The government starts this work, and with organizations like the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, we want to work together. We will need support from people like you across the country to expand reading habits quickly,” he added.
Rahman reiterated his goal of reducing children’s dependence on mobile phones and fostering a love for reading. He mentioned discussions with Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, underscoring the role of the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in promoting book reading. The government plans to partner with the organization to further this initiative.
To implement the plan, the government intends to select two primary schools in each upazila and supply them with educational books. “These will not be political books. There are many educational books outside politics that will help children learn about the world, religion, and life,” Rahman explained. Additionally, reading materials will be integrated into educational assessments, with exam questions derived from these books.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also engaged with officials from the Jashore Institute Public Library and highlighted its historical significance. Earlier, he inaugurated the 500-bed Jashore Medical College Hospital building before touring the library, established in 1851 as one of the oldest in Bangladesh and South Asia.
The Jashore Institute Public Library’s rich history was also noted, with Wikipedia citing its evolution from the Jashore Town Hall, Arya Theatre, and Town Club into a unified cultural center in 1927 by Rai Bahadur Jatindranath Majumder, later renamed by the government.
The event was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and other officials.