Kabi Nazrul Library spreading light of knowledge in remote areas in Tajumuddin
Abdul Mannan Tamim, Tajumuddin (Bhola)
When teenagers are addicted to various drugs and mobile phones, Kabi Nazrul Public Library is spreading the light of knowledge in remote areas of Tajumuddin Upazila of Dwip District Bhola. People of all ages, starting from children and teenagers, are flocking to that library. They are busy reading books.The library has been built in the Hat Bazar of the remote village of Shambhupur Union,Dhokhin khaser hat Bazar, seven kilometers away from Tajumuddin Upazila.
The time was 2003, 25 friends had just started their secondary schooling, and their dream was to do something for the society to create enlightened people by spreading the light of education in the village soil. The struggle of 25 friends to realize their dream began. What can be done! The decision was made with everyone's consent. A library can spread the light of knowledge among an educated society and the people of this region. After reaching a decision, the library was named Kabi Nazrul Public Library Association of Friends Circle (AFC). Ever's journey began with the collection of Tipin's money and a fund was formed. After collecting Tipin's money for 6 long years, a room was officially taken for the library in 2009, and the library was initially furnished with 80-100 books, a small table and a few chairs. Thus, as a result of the relentless efforts of 25 friends, the library was included in the list of the Ministry of Culture in 2014. Since then, the library has been receiving books free of cost from the government every year. In 2022, a Liberation War corner was set up in the library. Currently, the library has about 5 to 6 thousand books, 2 almirahs, 2 tables, a Liberation War corner with 50 chairs, a peon and various furniture. None of the 25 friends is unemployed now. One is a high-ranking government administration cadre, others are lecturers, bankers, and teachers.
On the spot, it can be seen that there are countless books arranged in layers in the almirah. Local residents and school and college students are sitting here reading books. Many are also reading newspapers. Not only students, but many educated young people, youth, and elderly people of the village come to read books in this library. There are religious, literary, science-minded, historical, newspaper, current affairs, children's literature, as well as academic books.The children of the village, who are lagging behind in terms of education, are now getting educated to some extent. The people of the village are moving ahead at the same pace in other fields including education. Every day, a crowd of readers gathers in this library, usually in the afternoon. The library is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day. Book lovers can take a maximum of two books home every month and have to return them within a specified time.
Many people, including Kamrul and Naeem, who came to the library to read, said that positive changes are being seen among the youth of our village through reading books. Instead of chatting nonsense, we are spending time in this library, which is keeping them away from various addictions.
Library General Secretary Mamun Or-Rashid said, We can see that the young generation of the village is moving away from smartphone abuse, sports and physical exercise. If we can ensure a suitable learning environment for them and give them the opportunity to freely pursue knowledge, they will develop mentally. To this end, our small effort is to read books every afternoon and engage in discussions on various topics including literature, religion, politics, science. The number of book-loving readers is increasing every day.
Library President Md. Ibrahim said, we live in a remote rural area. The village is located on the banks of the Meghna River. Here, the people of the village who have fallen behind in the light of education get the opportunity to read books on various subjects including art-literature, history-tradition, stories-novels, poetry. The library has changed the lives of many students. Those who want to improve themselves are sitting in the library reading books and magazines. Advice is also being given to us from this library on how a student can get admission in the university, how to prepare himself for it, how to prepare for a job.
