bKash, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro mark nationwide reading initiative

Dhaka : bKash and Bishwo Shahitto Kendro have marked 12 years of collaboration aimed at encouraging students to develop regular reading habits, with the initiative reaching millions of readers nationwide.

The partnership has so far supplied more than 400,000 books to nearly 3,000 educational institutions, benefiting an estimated 3.2 million students and readers, according to speakers at a commemorative event held in Dhaka on September 4.

Prof. Abdullah Abu Sayeed, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, credited bKash with providing significant support to the organization's long-running effort to expand access to books. He said the partnership had helped extend the program to educational institutions across the country.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, who attended the event as chief guest, said strengthening education requires encouraging young people to read beyond their textbooks. He also stressed the importance of reducing students' dependence on mobile devices and protecting them from drug addiction.

bKash founder and CEO Kamal Quadir said education and knowledge are essential to sustainable development. He said the company has consistently supported initiatives designed to expose young people to creativity, broader knowledge and independent thinking.

More than 300 students, teachers and civil society representatives attended the event.

Bishwo Shahitto Kendro has operated its nationwide Book Reading Program for more than four decades, promoting reading, critical thinking and human values among students.