UGC preserves editor Abdul Hye Sikder's 10,000-book personal collection through special library at Begum Rokeya University. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) has decided to preserve nearly 10,000 books from the personal collection of Jugantor Editor Abdul Hye Sikder by establishing a special corner, or separate library, in his name at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR).

The decision was taken at a meeting between UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and Abdul Hye Sikder today, a BRUR press release said. 

BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Showkat Ali, UGC Director of Public Relations and Publications Mohammad Jaminur Rahman and other officials attended the meeting.

Describing the collection as an important national asset for knowledge and research, the UGC chairman said the books would be properly preserved, catalogued and gradually digitised to ensure access for future researchers and students. 

He requested the university authorities to complete the collection and preservation process by next December.

Abdul Hye Sikder said his collection includes about 10,000 books on Bangla language and literature, world history, research, essays, translated literature, children's literature, science and other subjects, of which nearly 3,000 require immediate preservation. 

Many of the books are no longer available in the market, he added.

He said he inherited part of the collection from his father and acquired the rest over decades from home and abroad. 

Inspired by former UGC chairman Syed Ali Ahsan's donation of his personal library to Jahangirnagar University, Shikder said he wishes to donate his collection to BRUR.