To nurture dreamers and visionaries

Well-wishers of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK), including luminaries of society, flocked to join the 40th founding anniversary of the organisation that is relentlessly working for creating scope for millions to new thoughts and encouraging reading habits.

They said BSK is an eye-opening new literary movement, which is pricelessly contributing to society for creating habit of reading among countrymen when such habits are decreasing fast across the globe.

BSK celebrated the day with a vibrant rally, reminiscence by veterans, music, dance performances and photo exhibition at its Bangla Motor office.

Talking to The Daily Star, BSK founder Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed said that they will continue their efforts to create atmosphere for nurturing citizens who are dreamers and visionaries, adhere to high moral values and are enlightened and can give meaningful leadership in taking the country on the path of progress and prosperity.

“At a time when reading habit is on decline worldwide, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro is fighting for creating the habit among students and others," said academic and writer Professor Muhammed Zafar Iqbal.

“This is large struggle and Abdullah Abu Sayeed is lone fighter of that struggle. We all should come forward. Teachers should encourage their students and guardians should encourage their children to form reading habit,” he said.

Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon said BSK is an eye-opening institution for the nation.

Noted singer Mustafa Zaman Abbasi said BSK is literary movement for the country. “It will be source of inspiration for all Bangalees across the globe,” he added.

The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said, “I respect his thoughts on bringing change in the society, and I am proud to be close to him."

Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam also expressed her respect for Abdullah Abu Sayeed. “I believe that youths who were engaged in book reading [of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro] initiatives will not indulge in any bad activities.”

Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said BSK is an organisation that Bangalees can be proud of.

In between speeches, noted singers Mustafa Zaman Abbasi, Saadi Mohammad, Kiran Chandra Roy, Chandana Majumder, Priyanka Gope and others presented songs, while several dancers and troupes presented classical dance forms of Manipuri, Bharatanatyam and Gaudiya.

Earlier in the morning, the day's proceedings began with a colorful rally that started in front of Public Library in Shahbagh and ended at BSK office in Bangla Motor.