CHATTOGRAM, Sep 05: A total of 6,028 students from 106 schools in the city were awarded Friday for their participation in a year-long book reading programme organised by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro with support from Grameenphone.
The daylong prize-giving festival, held at the GEC Convention Centre, turned into a celebration of books and learning.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain attended the event as chief guest. Among other guests were noted ornithologist, photographer and writer Enam Ul Haque, media personality and Bishwo Shahitto Kendro trustee Dr Abdun Noor Tushar, Grameenphone Chattogram Regional Head Morshed Ahmed, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Chattogram coordinator Prof Alex Alim, and retired secretary and member of the National Election Investigation Commission Shamim Al Mamun.
The event began with the national anthem, followed by welcoming remarks from Professor Abdul Alim.
Mayor Shahadat congratulated the award-winning students, saying, "You are the ones who will build a corruption-free, exploitation-free and sovereign Bangladesh in the future. Reading books enriches our knowledge and builds ethics, which ultimately leads to social and national development."
Grameenphone Chattogram Regional Head Morshed Ahmed said, "the youth are the future. For the past two decades, we have supported this noble initiative to foster intellectual and moral growth among students."
Of the 6,028 awardees, 5,380 students from 90 schools received their prizes directly on stage, while teachers and organisers collected awards on behalf of 16 schools. This year's recipients included 4,050 girls and 1,330 boys.
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