The British Council has conducted a series of events and activities from 1- 5 February 2018 to celebrate National Library Day in Bangladesh in its Cultural Centre in Dhaka. In addition to activities, British Council in partnership with BRAC, conducted a nationwide art competition titled ‘My Dream Library’ for two age groups (class 5-7 and class 8-10). The art competition ran through BRAC’s Gonokendro. Best 140 arts from seven divisions has been selected, including 42 divisional tops and six best ‘Dream Libraries’. All the winners will be invited at British Council, Dhaka to receive prizes.
The British Council Cultural Centre provides a safe convening place for dialogue, cultural exchange and knowledge access and offers to go beyond the physical walls of buildings. The government of Bangladesh has recently established 5 February as National Library Day to celebrate the benefits of libraries in to communities and among individuals in enhancing lifelong learning by being an agents of change. Various organisations throughout Bangladesh has run events and activities to promote the use and benefits of libraries. This will further led to advocate for increased government and partner support in the form of increased budgets, policy support, and progress towards improved, more welcoming buildings, facilities and services.
From 1-5 February, a number of nationwide events has been conducted by British Council including creative games, internet awareness session conducted by Ayman Sadik, Founder, 10 minutes school, session with entrepreneurs, library orientation and nationwide art competition to celebrate this year’s National Library Day.
The British Council is the UK’s cultural relations agency, and they have been promoting cultural relations between the UK and Bangladesh for over 60 years, creating international opportunities for people in both countries in order to meet their aspirations for a better life. The British Council has its branches in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and indeed across the whole country. They work with the Government of Bangladesh and many local and UK partner organisations to deliver services and development projects in English, education, social action and the arts.