Ruman calls for revival of reading habit among younger generation

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman has called for reviving the habit of reading books among the younger generation.

“The spread of the internet and technology has driven many young people away from books. Yet books are an important source of knowledge and learning, and everyone should develop a passion for reading,” he said.

Ruman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital on Friday.

Recalling his student days, the additional press secretary said, “When we were students, from Class VII to XII, we used to keep track of newly published books. We read books by Humayun Ahmed, among others. We also read a lot of Dasyu Bonhur, written by Romena Afaz of Bogura, and Masud Rana.”

He said, “One of my friends sitting here is Faruk Wasif, director general of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB). We used to share books. Sometimes, we would save our tiffin money. Our school was about two kilometres from home. Although we were given money for rickshaw fares, we used to walk to school.”

Comparing the present generation with his own student days, Ruman said the habit of reading books has declined significantly.

He said that in the age of the internet, everything is now available online, and young people are increasingly using mobile phones to explore different subjects.

 “I think everyone should develop the passion — reading books. There is so much to learn from books,” he added.

Praising the event organised to mark the birth anniversary of novelist Humayun Ahmed, the additional press secretary thanked the organisers for arranging the programme.

He also stressed the need to organise such events regularly to introduce the younger generation to the country's literary and cultural heritage.

Highlighting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's initiatives to promote culture and sports, Ruman said, “Our beloved Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed great emphasis on culture, including the Notun Kuri programme. He is taking initiatives to introduce Notun Kuri and various sports activities in schools and colleges. Please pray for him so that he can take culture and sports forward.”

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General (additional charge) Md Harun Ar Rashid was also present at the event.