“Internet and Library both are playing a very significant role in the developing nation”- Yeafesh Osman, the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology

Ahasan, Dhaka, 23 February 2019

A seminar on Library vs Internet was held on 23 February 2019 at CIRDAP (Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and Pacific) International Conference Centre, 17 Topkana road, Dhaka.

The Chief Guest of the ceremony Architect Yeafesh Osman, the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology mentioned through a video message that “Internet and Library both are playing a very significant role in the developing nation. The present government is very much library friendly that’s why the government has declared 5th February as the National Library Day to celebrate nationwide.” Different programs are continuing for higher education enhancement; like UDL-UGC consortium, Libraries Unlimited project etc. At present half of the total population of Bangladesh uses the Internet and the number of users is rapidly increasing. Library and Internet both are different issues and important as well” 

Special guest Dr Omar Jah, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Technology (IUT) mentioned an early period of libraries and its importance and misuse of information through technology.  Other special Guest of the event Mr Abdullah Al Hasan Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education, Division, Ministry of Education, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh emphasized the importance of library discussed the present trends. The program chair Mr Tevita G. Boseiwaqa Taginavulau, Director General, CIRDAP focuses on the nature of the library and its pattern. Dr Usharani Boruah, Librarian, CIRDAP also presented on the occasion.

In the welcome speech, Dr Mirza Mohd Rezaul Islam, Chairman, BALID discussed initiatives of BALID for marking the National Library Day 2019. Dr Md. Nazim Uddin, Sr. Manager, Library and Information Services Unit, icddr,b elaborately discussed the importance of library, the transformation of digitalization, how as a technological tool, Internet cop up with library etc as a keynote speaker. Dr Nazim also elaborately responded to the question and answer sessions from the audience end.

Mr Monirul Islam, Librarian, Prime Minister’s Office also delivered a presentation and elaborated the topic with examples. Prof. Dr Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq, Chairman, Department of Information Science and Library Management, the University of Dhaka and Mr Mohammad Hussam Haider Chowdhury, Librarian, Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) spoke on the topic as a discussant. Mr Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Deputy Librarian, IUB gave a vote of thanks at the end.

A total of 97 participants from different universities, colleges, research organizations, International organizations, several ministries and government institutions, non-government organizations, participated in the event. The seminar was very much interactive and lively. A good number of overseas participants attended and make the event successful.

The seminar was jointly organized by BALID and CIRDAP. As part of the series of program for the National Library Day, BALID initiated this event.