Jannatul Ferdous
DU Correspondent
Dhaka, July 19 (BDNEWS) – Good news for children! Children's Banglapedia in the form of Children's' Britannica is going to be published soon for the children-juvenile of Bangladesh.
Asiatic Society of Bangladesh has taken up the project in continuation of the Banglapedia.
Banglapedia chief editor Prof Sirajul Islam told BDNEWS that Children's Banglapedia would be split into three parts in Bangla having miscellaneous information about various subject matters, including science, history, information technology, culture, and biographies of legendary figures.
He informed that the book would be completely a coloured one to draw the attention of the children. The initiative has been taken up so that the children do not lag behind in the knowledge of science and technology.
It was gathered that the preliminary cost of the book has been fixed at Tk 3 crore. The money has been allocated from the Banglapedia Trust. About 60 to 70 researchers have been working for preparation of the book.
Bangla and English versions of the Banglapedia were first brought out in the month of May 2003. Soon after the Banglapedia came in the market, about 15,000 copies were sold out.
Shishu Academy published 'Biswakosh' suitable for the children during 90s. Since then, it is the first step of its kind to publish Children's Banglapedia.
Banglapedia sales officer told BDNEWS that the price of Bangla version has been set at Tk 10,000 while the English version at Tk 12,000.
The Banglapedia has been sold at 65 percent discount until April 15 last. He said, Banglapedia created much enthusiasm among the readers before it came into being. Still it has amazing demand among the readers.
Prof Sirajul Islam said, Bangla CD of Banglapedia will be available in the next 21st February Book Fare and it will also be available in the national active database web at the same time. At present some amendments are being carried out in the present website of the Banglapedia.
They have a similar plan with the Children's Banglapedia, he added.
BDNEWS/1624 hrs
