Online Desk:  A first in Bangladesh, a book written by a group of literary enthusiast bankers, has hit the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela.

This is the first book written by reading club members of a bank in Bangladesh, according to a press release.

Brac Bank Reading Café has published the book “Protiswor”, a diverse collection of 67 short stories, poems, essays, travelogues, and satires penned by 57 co-workers of the bank, it said.

According to Brac Bank, the book is dedicated to the martyrs of the Language Movement of 1952. Published by Rochoita Publishers, the book is available at stall-590 at the Bangla Academy Book Fair and also at renowned book stores.

The book has been edited by a panel of Brac Bank Reading Café members led by Ekram Kabir, Head of Communication of the bank. Illustrated and designed by Lutful Hossain, the 224-page book costs Tk 300, said the release.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the book, the bank’s Managing Director and CEO Selim RF Hussain said: “I am elated to share that our colleagues have put their efforts together to publish a book. This feat has made the entire BRAC Bank Family immensely proud.”

“At BRAC Bank, we create an environment where our colleagues can nurture creativity at a professional level and in personal space,” he added.

The book’s publishing epitomises the passion, hard work and enthusiasm of a group of bibliophiles at BRAC Bank who worked day and night to make this a reality, the release said said.

The bank’s reading circle was formed by a group of book enthusiasts who are passionate about literature and encourage collaboration and critical thinking among their coworkers.

Each month, the Reading Cafe members read one book and come together to discuss various aspects of it.

The Reading Café is a testament to the institution’s dedication to nurturing a holistic and intellectually stimulating work environment, it said.

By bridging the gap between the financial industry and the literary world, BRAC Bank aims to inspire a more enlightened, thoughtful, and well-rounded community of professionals.

The creation of this book club aligns with Brac Bank’s commitment to fostering personal and professional growth and improving work culture.