Photo: BSS

KHULNA, July 31, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun on Friday stressed the need to cultivate a reading habit to build a knowledge-based society, saying no one could become truly distinguished without reading books.

He made the remarks at a divisional-level readers' rally and cultural programme held at the auditorium of the Divisional Government Public Library in Boyra in the city as the chief guest.

Aiming to promote reading habits and build a knowledge-based society, the event was organised under the Mobile Library (3rd Revised) Project, implemented by the Directorate of Public Libraries under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro.

Addressing the gathering, the divisional commissioner said the government had undertaken various initiatives to encourage the younger generation to become avid readers, adding that concerted efforts were needed to make those
initiatives successful.

Regular reading is essential for developing students into competent and skilled citizens, he said, urging parents and teachers to inspire children to read books and stay away from excessive mobile phone use.

He also said books enrich knowledge and that developing a habit of buying and reading books would help build a more enlightened nation.

Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Hoore Jannat chaired the programme.

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Project Director Md. Billal Hossain Khan and Director (Joint Secretary) of the Directorate of Public Libraries Mariam Begum spoke as special guests.

Senior Librarian of the Divisional Government Public Library Md. Saiful Islam delivered the welcome address.

Officials from different government offices, cultural personalities, guardians, teachers, students and media representatives attended the programme.

The organisers said 76 mobile libraries are currently operating across all 64 districts of the country.

The guests later distributed prizes among winners of different competitions arranged to mark the readers' rally and visited the mobile book fair before a cultural programme was staged.

Earlier, a colourful procession began from the premises of the Divisional Government Public Library in Boyra, marched through different city roads and concluded at the same venue with the participation of students and people from various walks of life.

A four-day book fair, featuring five stalls offering books at a 30 percent discount, has also been arranged on the library premises.

The fair will conclude on August 1.