A total of 5,503 students from 93 schools in Chattogram city were awarded by the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in a book reading programme.

An award giving ceremony was held on the premises of Chattogram City Corporation Municipal Model High School and College in the port city yesterday.

Addressing the event, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, president of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, said a nation cannot move forward and become developed without its people acquiring new knowledge.

"Books are the source of knowledge. Everyone should read more books to become enlightened," he said.

About 15,000 students from 93 schools in the port city participated in the book reading programme in the 2023 academic year. Of them, 5,503 students were awarded for having shown achievement in the evaluation phase.

Md Tofail Islam, divisional commissioner of Chattogram, was present as a guest at the event.