British Council opens WOW Dhaka’s Chittagong Chapter, self-access centre

The British Council in Bangladesh has launched an international programme for the citizens of Chittagong at the Public Library of the port city.

In a media release on Wednesday, the Council said the programme – WOW Dhaka: Chittagong Chapter - was open for public from all background that includes women, youth, and people from semi-urban areas in Chittagong.

It said the initiative was part of the British Council and Southbank Centre’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and in particular to the women in South Asia.

A series of events and activities all over Bangladesh for next two years will lead up to WOW (Women of the World) Dhaka in 2019.

The launch consisted of speed mentoring, panel discussions, performances, inspirational talks and many more, highlighting the particular challenges facing the women of Bangladesh.

Topics covered include tech for women, legal support, health, leadership, and how to support young Bangladeshi people as empowered individuals.

Ashish Kumar Sarker, Director General, Department of Public Libraries, Barbara Wickham, Director Bangladesh, British Council and Domino Pateman, Senior Programmer, WOW - Women of the World, attended the Chittagong Chapter of the globally observed event.

The release quoted Wickham as saying, “Women are more empowered now than ever before. However, there is still much to be done to ensure equal rights of the genders at all levels, everywhere. WOW is an excellent initiative to attain that objective, and we are delighted to be associated with it.”

Following the WOW programme, the British Council introduced an “English Language Self Access Centre” at the Chittagong Public Library.

The British Council has donated around 2500 books, 6 computers, furniture, 300 DVDs and a 42" LED TV for library users. The English language SAC will be set up on the first floor, beside the newspaper reading room, at the library.