Bangladesh Crosses 4 Million in Big Read

Despite the sweltering heat (experiencing the highest temperature so far in the last two days) with no signs of rain, millions participated in the week long Global Action Week programs held across Bangladesh. A total of 101 organizations including the Directorate of Primary Education mobilized 44, 66,687 people that is 4.47 Million. 

The national Big Read was held at the Central Shahid Minar on 22nd morning. Men, women boys and girls of all age started to gather in front of the National Auditorium from early morning for the rally that culminated at the Shaheed Minar. The enthusiasm and commitment of these people were remarkable. Prof. Muzaffar Ahmed, Chairperson TIB, popular theatre activist Rokeya Rafiq, singer Ferdaus Ara and other educationists, activists expressed their solidarity with the campaign.

To mark the ongoing Global Action Week 2009 that began on April 20, The Campaign for Popular Education also organized a two day Education Fair in association with Plan Bangladesh, UNICEF, Save the Children, and UNESCO at Residential Model College in Dhaka on 24 and 25April 2009. The fair was aimed towards raising public interest on literacy and education materials produced by various organizations from both non formal and formal sector.

Newly elected parliamentarian & Chairperson of Education Standing Committee Mr. Rashed Khan Menon, inaugurated the Education Fair. Representatives from the host organizations also spoke at the inaugural session. Different local and foreign organizations, which work towards promotion of education and popular literacy, took part in the fair to display various educational materials and present their activities. Total 24 stalls of different organizations displayed their pre-primary and primary, non-formal and special need children education books, leaflets, handbooks, posters, festoons, letter cards and some supplementary materials, in the fair.

The Education Minister Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid and other parliamentarians at both national and local level joined the various consultations and seminars held during the week.

Challenges
Since many schools and colleges were having their final exams it was not possible to mobilize them and also the weather was a big factor that prevented people from joining.
 

Click here to see the Photo Gallery of different events of the Global Action Week (GAW) 2009.