'Libraries on cards at govt pry schools'

The government is setting up libraries at government primary schools across the country to help children grow the habit of reading and build up creative minds, said Information Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamun yesterday.
“If the initiative fetches success, it would be possible to turn the country into a middle income one by 2021,” he added.
Mamun was addressing, as chief guest, a discussion, “Importance of family library in development of children's mental health” on the fourth day of a 10-day book fair organised by Jatiya Grantha Kendra on the Rajshahi Collegiate School premises.
Observing that most of the country's people are deprived of reading facilities, speakers at the discussion stressed the need for government initiatives to set up libraries in rural schools and training teachers there.
Former Rajshahi University vice chancellor Prof Abdul Khaleque chaired the discussion where Rajshahi University teacher Dr Mahbuba Kanij Keya, Public Library Directorate Director Noor Hossain Talukder, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Abdul Mannan and theatre personality Proshanta Kumar Shaha were present.
The discussion was followed by a cultural function performed by Lalon artistes from Kushtia in the evening.
Some 68 publication houses including Bangla Academy and Nazrul Institute are taking part in the fair, which is being held in Rajshahi for the first time.