Staff Correspondent

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Monday  emphasized that building a knowledge-based society and completely eradicating corruption are indispensable for constructing a new, fascism-free nation. He made these remarks while attending as the chief guest at the certificate and award distribution ceremony of the "Nationwide Book Reading Program 2026" to hand over awards to meritorious readers.

The event, held at the National Music and Dance Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital, was organized by the National Book Centre under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Addressing the ceremony, the minister recalled that Bangladesh was once globally renowned for its wealth, abundance, and glorious heritage, drawing praise from historic travelers and historians ranging from Alexander the Great to Ibn Battuta. Though the country lagged behind due to various historical factors, it can advance once again through the cultivation of knowledge, culture, and core values, he added.

He pointed out that prolonged fascist rule has severely damaged the country's education, culture, and constitutional and state institutions. He noted that the younger generation, particularly "Gen-Z," has expressed their aspirations for structural transformation alongside changes in the state system through the July uprising.

The minister reiterated that the current government is actively working to restore systematic order to the country, with the eradication of corruption and containment of drugs being its top priorities. He asserted that there will be no compromise on these issues.

Presiding over the event, Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Maula underscored the importance of developing regular reading habits among the youth to foster a knowledge-based and humane society. She also stressed the need for practicing the literature and philosophy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the occasion of Nazrul Year. 

It was informed at the program that the "Nationwide Book Reading Program," which commenced during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, has now evolved into a national initiative. A total of 647 readers from nine libraries across different regions of the country participated.