DHAKA, Dec 19,2021(BSS) - UNESCO and The Asia Foundation virtually launched 
"Children's Books on Traditional Games" as part of the celebration of 
Bangladesh's 50th Victory Day and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh 
Mujibur Rahman on Wednesday.   

  The Asia Foundation in Bangladesh and UNESCO Dhaka Office joined forces to 
produce and disseminate books and reading materials focused on cultural 
heritage of Bangladesh, and to promote reading among children and youth of 
Bangladesh, said a press release.  

  As an outcome of this partnership, 11 books were prepared in an age 
appropriate manner on the Traditional Games of Bangladesh under the theme of 
''Let's Read about Heritage''.  

  The content was developed by reputed children book writers and 
illustrators, presenting traditional games of Bangladesh for children as an 
expression of cultural identity and living heritage of Bangladesh.  

  The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) and the Bangladesh 
National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU) approved and highly appreciated the 
books.  

  The e-book versions of the 11 books for Children on Traditional Games are 
publicly available free of charge on the Asia Foundation's Let's Read's 
Digital library: https://reader.letsreadasia.org/all/new  

  The books can be downloaded free of charge to smartphones, tablets, or 
other digital devices.

   Deputy Secretary General of Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO 
Shohel Imam Khan joined the discussion as a special guest and delivered his 
opening remarks.  

  Among others, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of Bishwa Sahitya 
Kendra, cultural personality Sara Zaker, Professor AKM Reazul Hassan, member, 
Primary Curriculum, National Curriculum and Textbook Board Bangladesh, 
Beatrice Kaldun, head of office and UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, Kazi 
Faisal Bin Seraj, country representative Bangladesh of The Asia Foundation, 
spoke at the discussion.