Unesco launches children’s books marking Bangladesh’s 50th Victory Day

Unesco, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, today 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.

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, according to a statement.

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 cover of a book titled, 'My Aunt Sells Fish'. Photo: Courtesy/The Asia Foundation

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.

At a virtual launching event, panelists highlighted the importance, challenges and opportunities of the creation of books and strengthening reading habits for children in Bangladesh.

The cover of a book titled, 'My Kind Grandfather'. Photo: Courtesy/The Asia Foundation

Shohel Imam Khan, deputy secretary general of Bangladesh National Commission for Unesco,  joined the discussion as a special guest and delivered his opening remarks.

Prof  Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of  Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, cultural personality Sara Zaker, Prof 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.