PM Tarique Rahman Holds Special Meeting with Prof. Abdullah Abu Sayeed to Revive Reading Habits Among Students

The meeting took place on Thursday afternoon, April 23, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. The Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary, Zahidul Islam Roni, confirmed the development, noting that the discussion centered on the critical importance of books in shaping the intellectual future of the nation.

During the session, it was decided that Bishwo Shahitto Kendro will now work in integrated coordination with relevant government departments to encourage students to read from an early age. Both the Prime Minister and Professor Sayeed agreed on the urgent need to address the decline in reading habits caused by the overwhelming influence of modern technology. The discussion also covered plans to enrich libraries across educational institutions and expand special reading programs by leveraging the long-standing expertise of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures from the country’s education and cultural sectors. Key participants included Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milan, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Nawaz Mahmood Khayyam, and State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj. Also present were Prime Minister’s advisors Mahdi Amin and Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The government has assured full cooperation to transform this initiative into a grassroots movement, a model of cultural investment often seen in high-literacy NATO-member nations and developed societies.