A book-reading competition was held in Nabiganj with the aim of fostering a habit of reading among the youth and students.

A book-reading festival and competition was organized by the

Lal-Sabuj Cycling Club in Nabiganj, with the aim of fostering a habit of reading

among the youth and students. Students, teachers, guardians, and book lovers

from various educational institutions participated in this event, held on

Saturday afternoon (June 20, 2026) at the auditorium of Hira Mia Girls' High

School in Nabiganj.

Mr. Ruhul Amin, the Nabiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer, was present as the chief

guest at the event. Mr. Tofazzal Islam Chowdhury, the former Mayor of

Nabiganj Municipality, was present as a special guest, Rezaul Karim Lecturer at

Nabiganj Degree College; Pradip Ranjit Das, Teacher at Hira Mia Girls' High

School; Tuhin Ahmad, Headmaster of Kanaipur Government Primary School;

Abdul Wahid Lablu, Headmaster of Choushatpur Government Primary School;

Shahinur Akter Chowdhury Panna, Headmaster of Rajanigandha Government

Primary School; Pranab Deb, President of Ananda Niketan Nabiganj; Renowned

artist Asad Ahmed Sumon; Md. Mazharul Islam Tarek, founder and president

of the Lal-Sabuj Cycling Club.

Speakers at the event observed that, although interest in reading books has

somewhat declined due to the widespread expansion of technology in recent

times, there is no substitute for books when it comes to acquiring knowledge,

fostering creativity, and shaping human values. It is essential to foster a culture

of reading to keep the new generation away from drugs, crime, and negative

activities. Initiatives of this kind will play a significant role in encouraging

reading habits among students.

From the reading competition based on *Nabiganjer Itikatha*—a historical

book about Nabiganj written by journalist Matiar Chowdhury and published in

1985—Fifteen meritorious students from various high schools in Nabiganj

participated in this competition. Among the participating students, Mst. Hafiza

Akter Nadia from Homeland Ideal School secured first place in the competition,

while Farzana Akter Keya from Ashtagram High School secured second place.

And Joydeep Roy, a student of Homeland Ideal School, secured third place. The

guests handed over crests, certificates, and cash prizes to the winners.

Students, teachers, and guardians present at the event praised this unique

initiative. It is worth noting that this event was successfully concluded through

the financial contributions and overall support of the members of the Lal-Sabuj

Cycling Club. Among them are the organization's General Secretary, Sheikh

Mojahid Ahmed, and members Rimon Islam Khan, Kawsar Ahmed, and Soumik.

Additionally, Shahriar Rashid Bulbul, an English teacher at Ashtagram High

School, was responsible for the planning and overall organization.

At the event, Matiar Chowdhury, author of the book "Nabiganjer Itikatha," was

presented with a commemorative crest and a memento on behalf of the

organization's president, Md. Mazharul Islam Tarek. Mr. Chalik Hossain

Chowdhury and Shahinur Akter Chowdhury Panna received the

commemorative honor and crest on behalf of the author's family. The event

was conducted by the leaders of the Lal-Sabuj Cycling Club. The organizers

stated that such events would continue in the future with the aim of fostering

a reading habit in society and encouraging the new generation to engage with

books.