National Library Day 2022 observed at DPL

Mir Adiba Awlad 

February 7, 2022

On February 5, 2022, the honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Asaduzzaman Khan, MP, inaugurated the 5th National Library Day at Shawkat Osman Memorial Auditorium of the Department of Public Libraries in Dhaka on Saturday. The theme for National Library Day 2022 was ‘digital library is the pledge of the country’s golden jubilee’.

Department of Public Libraries under the cultural affairs ministry organised the program to observe the National Library Day this year. The honourable Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Mr KM Khalid, MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the Ministry of Culture, Ms Simin Hossain Rimi, MP, were present as special guests at the occasion. Mr A A M S Arefin Siddiqui, the former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, President of BSS and President of the Board of Trustees of Bangladesh National Museum, was the keynote speaker at the discussion meeting organised on the occasion of the day. Honourable Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Mr Md. Abul Mansur presided over the function.

The program featured discussion, music show and recitation. Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan was present as the chief guest at the program.
Asaduzzaman spoke about the importance of libraries for the country’s sustainable development. He said, ‘Libraries play an important role in instilling reading habits in people and ensure sustainable development of the country.’ ‘Rich libraries also play an important role in a nation’s development by enlightening the people,’ he added.
KM Khalid said that the government has already taken many initiatives to modernise libraries. He added that a project of around Tk 525 crore had been approved to build a modern multi-storeyed building on the premises of the Department of Public Libraries.

Former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique was present as the keynote speaker at the program. Arefin Siddique said, ‘Libraries play a key role in creating readers. A library must have enough books, a good reading environment and other necessary facilities.
Abul Monsur said that the cultural affairs ministry has been working to establish digital libraries in the country.
He mentioned that libraries in Dhaka and public and private libraries across the country have been organising programs to celebrate National Library Day following the Covid-19 health safety measures.
Department of Public Libraries director-general Abubakar Siddique delivered a welcome speech at the event.

Following the discussion session, renowned recitation artists Sahadat Hossain Nipu Shawkat Ali recited poems and singers Anjuman Ara Shimul, and Afroza Ferdous Jhumur entertained the audience rendering songs.
Representatives from the Library Association of Bangladesh, Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, BRAC and Bangladesh Bank Library were present at the program.
Besides, Bangla Academy, Jatiya Grantha Kendra, Kabi Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka University, district administrations and others also observed the day.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina declared February 5 as the National Library Day in 2017, and the day was first observed in 2018.