Bangladesh Private Library Solidarity Holds First National Conference in Dhaka
The Bangladesh Private Library Solidarity has held its historic first national conference at the Liberation War Museum in Agargaon, Dhaka. During the event, a new 33-member national committee was successfully formed for a three-year term.
On Saturday, the capital city of Dhaka hosted a significant gathering for the cultural and literary community as the Liberation War Museum in Agargaon welcomed the first national conference of the Bangladesh বেসরকারি গ্রন্থাগার সংহতি (Bangladesh Private Library Solidarity). The venue, known for preserving the nation's historical heritage, provided a fitting backdrop for representatives from more than a hundred private libraries across the country to convene and discuss the future of grassroots literacy and knowledge preservation.
The conference served as a major platform for figures in the library movement, drawing notable participants including Sheikh Zulfikar Ali, Ziaul Haque Joni, Md. Zahir Uddin, Professor Main Uddin Pathan, Manjar Chowdhury Sweet, Mujibur Rahman, Mohammad Shahnawaz, Mofidul Hoque, and Afsana Begum. These individuals represented a diverse spectrum of institutions dedicated to community reading and education, highlighting the collaborative spirit required to sustain independent cultural spaces in various regions.
A central outcome of Saturday's national conference was the formal establishment of a new leadership structure to guide the organization moving forward. Attendees finalized the formation of a brand-new, three-year-term, 33-member national committee tasked with advancing the objectives of the solidarity movement and advocating for the needs of private libraries nationwide.
Within this newly established 33-member committee, key leadership roles were officially assigned to steer the organization's initiatives over the coming three years. Mohammad Shahnawaz was chosen to lead the solidarity as its president, while Md. Zahir Uddin stepped into the vital operational role of general secretary, positioning them to coordinate future collaborative efforts among the participating institutions.
The diverse network represented at the conference highlighted the rich history of independent literacy institutions operating throughout the country. Among the notable entities connected to the broader movement are the centurial-old Jashore Institute Public Library, Gaibandha Public Library, Granthanbitan, Lakshmipur Public Library and Town Hall, Simanta Gronthagar, Ranihat Sadharon Pathagar, along with host venues like the Liberation War Museum and supporting bodies such as the National Book Centre (জাতীয় গ্রন্থকেন্দ্র).
