UNESCO Launches Books Marking Bangladesh's 50th Victory Day

UNESCO and The Asia Foundation 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 on Wednesday.  

The Asia Foundation in Bangladesh and UNESCO Dhaka Office joined forces to produce and disseminate books and reading materials focused on the cultural heritage of Bangladesh, and to promote reading among children and youth of Bangladesh, said a press release. 

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 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.

Deputy Secretary General of Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO Shohel Imam Khan joined the discussion as a special guest and delivered his opening remarks. 

Among others, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, cultural personality Sara Zaker, Professor 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.