On 23 April, the British Council, in partnership with Daffodil Education Network, launched a nationwide book reading competition at the British Council office in Dhaka University campus, in observance of the World Book Day 2018.The main objective of World Book Day is to encourage children and adults to explore the pleasures of reading books by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own. The British Council has been organising the Book Reading competitions to celebrate World Book Day since 2013.
The Cultural Centre also took this opportunity to memorialise the famous bard William Shakespeare, who is a big name in world of English literature and books.
The event began with the welcome speech by Sarwat Masuda Reza, Head of Cultural Centre, British Council, followed by speeches by Kirsty Crawford, Programme Director of Libraries Unlimited, British Council and Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil family fllowed by the announcement of the Book Reading Competition 2018.
The next stage of the event commemorated the literary giant William Shakespeare. It is widely believed by historians that William Shakespeare also died on his birthday. On account of this occasion, a drama group from the Department of English of Green University staged one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays ‘Othello’ in the British Council’s auditorium. 'Othello' is a tragedy play that tells the story of a powerful general of the Venetian army, Othello, whose life and marriage are ruined by a conniving, deceitful, and envious soldier, Iago. The students showcased their performance in colourful outfits, employing animated acting skills to explore a wide range of themes included in the play: racial prejudice, manipulation, and jealousy. The audience was mesmerised by this tribute to the literary legend for almost two hours. At it's end, Professor Muhammad Fayyaz Khan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Green University, was also present at the event. He thanked the British Council for the support and encouragement of endeavours that allow students to explore cultural exchange and experiences here in Bangladesh.
Online registration for World Book Day’s Book Reading Competition is now open for all book-lovers. Interested participants can register here and collect their book from the British Council office in Dhaka University campus.