RANGPUR, Feb 6, 2023 (BSS) - Officials, academics and sociocultural activists 
at a discussion have stressed on making the best use of libraries for 
acquiring knowledge to build an enlightened society. 
 
They expressed the view at the discussion jointly organised by the district 
administration and Divisional Public Library at its seminar room here in 
observance of the National Library Day- 2023 on Sunday afternoon.
 
The day was observed aiming at highlighting the importance of libraries, 
books and building reading habits in the daily life of common people, 
especially youths, students and young generations, to enrich their knowledge 
and moral values.
 
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Chitralekha Nazneen inaugurated the observance by 
releasing a balloon and attended the discussion and prize distribution 
ceremony followed by a colorful cultural function as the chief guest.
 
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Md. Firuzul Islam presided 
over the discussion participated by teachers and students of different 
schools and colleges of the city.
 
Assistant Director of the Divisional Public Library Md. Abed Hossain delivered a 
welcome speech.
 
Deputy Commissioner of Police (City Special Branch) of Rangpur Metropolitan 
Police Abu Bakar Siddique addressed the discussion as the keynote speaker and 
a guest of honour.
 
Former Head of the Department of Bengali of Rangpur Begum Rokeya Government 
College Professor Mohammad Shah Alam, Deputy Director of the Central Library 
of Begum Rokeya University Abdus Samad Prodhan and noted cultural personality 
Dr. Mofizul Islam Maantu addressed the event as special guests.
 
General Secretary of Begum Rokeya Smriti Pathagar Rafikul Islam Dulal, 
President of Noorjahan Pathagar Nazmul Karim Dollar and General Secretary of 
Nazrul Sangha Pathagar Rashidus Sultan Bablu also spoke.
 
The speakers said libraries have been playing a crucial role in enhancing 
book reading habits of people of all ages for centuries to enrich knowledge 
by removing lack of information to build a more civilised society. 

Professor Shah Alam compared libraries with the ocean-like treasures of 
knowledge and called upon everyone, especially younger generations, to become 
library-oriented for building book reading habits to acquire knowledge.
 
"Libraries are the most enriched sources of knowledge about ancient and 
present societies, life, human philosophy, histories, civilisations, 
politics, country, literature and the globe as a whole," he added.

The chief guest urged young generations to make the best use of libraries and 
become library-oriented to enrich their diversity of knowledge for building a 
more cultured society.