500 schools to get ‘Mujib’ graphic novel

To spread the ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman among the students, bKash will distribute 20,000 copies of graphic novel 'Mujib' at 500 Bangla and English medium schools across the country this year.

The mobile financial service provider has taken this initiative to mark Bangabandhu’s birth centenary and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence.

Under the patronization of bKash, graphic novel ‘Mujib’, published by Centre for Research and Information (CRI) based on Bangabandhu's autobiography ‘Oshomapto Attojiboni’ (‘The Unfinished Memoirs’), will be distributed at schools by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK), an organization well-known for enlightening minds.

bKash will expand the program with the support of BSK to more schools along with the existing ones after the publication of the next editions of the graphic novel.

Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, inaugurated the project by handing over the books to the school representatives at BSK Auditorium on Wednesday.

Kamal Quadir, chief executive officer of bKash; Arif Khan, trustee of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro; and Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), chief external and corporate affairs officer of bKash were present on the occasion.

‘Opportunity for students to know more about Bangabandhu’

'Mujib' depicts direct experience of Bangabandhu's childhood, adolescence and social and political activities in a format suitable for both children and adolescents with a vibrant combination of dialogues, stories and illustrations. Graphic novel ‘Mujib’ will give readers of all ages the opportunity to know more about Bangabandhu, the greatest Bangali of all time and the architect of sovereign Bangladesh.

Five sets of the graphic novel which means a total of 40 books will be given to each of the 500 Bangla and English medium schools across the country.

As a result, 40 students will get the opportunity to read the book from their school libraries at the same time.

Professor Sayeed said bKash has vested the responsibility on them to spread the biography of the greatest leader to the children. 

“Bangabandhu’s vigour, visionary nature, ability to dream big, unwavering devotion to be faithful, extraordinary personality and love for the people are exemplary for us. Bangalis were lucky to have a Sheikh Mujib, without whose thunderous voice, impeccable courage and extraordinary leadership, Bangladesh might have taken another 500 years to become independent,” he said.

“bKash’s initiative to spread the book at schools across the country has created an opportunity for students to know more about our Father of the Nation. Let Mujib open the pages of wisdom in our hearts, let Mujib awaken everyone's blood - I have this dream.”

Kamal Quadir, CEO of bKash, said the autobiography written by Bangabandhu, while he was imprisoned, is a historical document for us.

“In his memoirs, Bangabandhu presented many important chapters of history very passionately and sincerely. The way he laid the foundation of leadership is exemplary for today's children and teenagers. The graphic novel ‘Mujib’ is a unique initiative to make these exemplary stories more attractive to future generations. bKash is proud to be a partner of this initiative to celebrate the birth centenary of Mujib and the golden jubilee of our independence,” he said.

bKash has provided 253,600 books to 3.2 million students from 2,900 educational institutions since 2014 to cultivate the habit of reading among next generation.

In the 2020 Book Fair, bKash collected books from visitors, donated from its own fund and distributed all 7,500 books among underprivileged children through Obhizatrik Foundation.

The MFS provider has been offering cashback at book fair for the last eight years to encourage people to buy books.

bKash has also been working with the Bangla Academy as the key sponsor of Ekushey Book Fair for the last four years.