Observance of National Library Day 2024 at Dhaka University

Md. Anwarul Islam

February 8, 2024

The Government of Bangladesh declared February 5th National Library Day in 2017, first observed in 2018. Since then, February 5th has been observed as National Library Day in Bangladesh with various programs, including rallies, seminars, symposiums, roundtable discussions, and other activities. The Department of Public Libraries (DPL), under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, serves as the apex body for the national observance of this day.

The Department of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) at the University of Dhaka celebrated February 5th, 2024, as National Library Day with joy and enthusiasm. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Gronthagare Boy Pori, Smart Bangladesh Gori’ (Reading books in the library, building smart Bangladesh). The ISLM department adorned its premises with vibrant crafts, posters, floor drawings, and displaying colourful banners.
The department organised a long rally comprising more than 250 students and faculty members. The program was inaugurated by the honourable Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Dr. A. S. M. Maksud Kamal. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Dr. Abdul Bashir, attended as a special guest. The rally was officially commenced by the Vice Chancellor releasing balloons. In a short speech, both guests talked about the importance of libraries in our society, promoting reading habits and encouraging students to read books to build a knowledgeable society.

Professor Dr. Md. Shiful Islam, Chairman of the ISLM department, along with the convener of the National Library Day observing committee, Professor Dr. S.M. Zabed Ahmed, and other faculty members were also present. The rally proceeded along the main roads of the campus, adorned with festoons, placards, banners, and various colourful items. The banners displayed different messages about the library, capturing the attention of pedestrians and other campus community members. This rally encouraged and inspired individuals to utilise the library to foster a knowledge-based society. The rally ended at the premises of Oporajeo Bangla with expressions of gratitude.