Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, July 25, 2026 (BSS) – At a divisional-level readers' rally, high-ranking officials and literary personalities today called for instilling the habit of reading among everyone with the aim of building a knowledge-based, conscious and humane society.
 
Under the initiative of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Nationwide Mobile Library (Third Revised) Project, the Public Library Directorate in collaboration with the World Literature Center organized the divisional-level readers' rally and cultural function at the city's Divisional Government Public Library hall room.
 
Earlier, the event was inaugurated by releasing balloons and festoons and a colorful rally circled the main roads of the city. 
 
Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam was present as the chief guest at the event presided over by Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin.
 
Joint Secretary (Admin) of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Project Director Md Billal Hossain Khan and Director (Development and ICT) of the Directorate of Public Libraries, Dr. Sanjeev Sutradhar addressed the readers rally as special guests.
 
In his speech, the chief guest said that books are one of the means of building a knowledge-based, enlightened, conscious and humane society. 
 
“Therefore, in addition to implementing various government initiatives to make the new generation book-oriented, the combined efforts of families, educational institutions and society are required,” he said. 
 
He told the guardians that young children should be encouraged to read books to protect their future and should play an effective role in keeping them away from mobile phone addiction.  

In the current competitive world, there is no alternative to reading books regularly to make oneself informed, skilled and competent. 
 
To build a society based on knowledge, culture and reading, it is necessary to conduct regular reading cycles, cultural programs and literary activities centered on public libraries.  

He called for regular library visits to develop creative talent, acquire knowledge and form cultural values.  

The Deputy Commissioner said that due to the use of digital platforms, the habit of reading books among people of different ages is decreasing day by day due to the welfare of technology.  

“Books play a role in enriching people's thinking, increasing attention and reducing loneliness,” he said, and called for realizing the importance of reading books in building a positive life. 
 
Officials of various government departments, sociocultural and literary personalities, guardians, students and civic activists were present at the event. 
 
Later, the guests distributed prizes among the winners of various competitions arranged marking the readers’ rally. 
 
Afterwards, the guests also visited the mobile book fair with four stalls organized on the occasion of the readers' rally. 

The event ended with a cultural performance.