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A library with a mission

BY SHAHIDUL ISLAM
IT'S a fact that the education we receive from nature is superior to that imparted in the man-made institutions.
Libraries provide us with better and richer means to satisfy our learning needs and passions. And the lovers and connoisseurs of books are in a sense the wealthiest of the homosapiens.
A good book is considered as the best friend, philosopher and guide. It soothes one's mind when he or she is in discomfort, gives immense pleasure in one's leisure and widens his or her world of thinking, perception, ideas, knowledge and wisdom.
The invention of the library has made it possible to cater to the needs of man's taste and discernment. The students or persons who would frequent libraries are found to have benefited immensely through extensive reading.
But, now a days, it's pity that a large section of our young students and learners are seen craving for the latest CDs of lighter songs and are found roaming with those numbers in possession instead of books.
And the sermons on values and benefits of books get lost on them.
Besides, to our dismay, libraries or knowledge-providing institutions are becoming very scant in the society. One can count the numbers in our city in less than a second. One cannot expect a library of the magnitude or quality of Washington DC Library to be built overnight in this country, though.
Against the backdrop of this depressing scenario, the Abul Fazal Mukta Buddhi Charcha Kendra (Abul Fazal Centre for Cultivation of Free Thinking) in the port city of Chittagong ushers in a glimmer of hope and aspiration for many, especially those who always yearn for knowledge, learning and reading.
The Kendra, to be run by a trustee, established in a small building on the eastern side of Fulki, a non-traditional educational institution located just opposite the DC Hill, was formally inaugurated on May 4. The library started its journey towards building an 'enlightened society' here initially with 1200 books of a variety including classics, critical essays, books on history, culture, literature and so on.
Renowned educationist Professor Anisuzzaman was made president of the 11-member Abul Fazal Smriti Trust. Other members are eminent scientist Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam, prominent social scientist Dr Anupam Sen, economist Professor Sikander Khan, former DG of National Museum Shamsuzzaman Khan, member secretary and researcher Dr. Mahbubul Haq and five representatives from the family members of eminent litterateur, academician and former VC of Chittagong University, late Abul Fazal.
Under the auspices of this trust, six lecture programmes on different topics have been organized so far. Among those, two most remarkable and noteworthy lectures have been given by Dr. Anupam Sen on 'History of Ideas'concluded in six lectures and Dr. Shafique Haider Chowdhury on the 'Sundarban.'
A ceremony marked the launching of Abul Fazal Mukta Buddhi Charcha Kendra on May 4, the day Abul Fazal died nineteen years ago, at the Fulki premises. Former Chief Justice and Chief Advisor of the caretaker government Muhammad Habibur Rahman formally inaugu-
rated the library. The day also marked the beginning of Abul Fazal's birth centenary as he was born in 1903 in Chittagong.
Professor Anisuzzaman, Dr. Mahbubul Haq and Abul Momen, son of Abul Fazal, also spoke on the occasion. On the occasion, veteran revolutionary Binod Bihari Chowdhury, eminent journalist professor Mohammad Khaled, internationally acclaimed scientist Dr Jamal Nazrul Islam, a pioneer publisher Syed Mohammad Shafi and noted author Begum Mustari Shafi were accorded honorary membership of the library.
Abul Momen in his brief speech narrated the background of forming this new organization for scholarly pursuits in the city. Dr. Mahbubul Haq spoke briefly about the plans and programmes to celebrate his (Abul Fazal) birth centenary next year.
Justice Habibur Rahman put emphasis on Abul Fazal's pioneering role in making a modern Muslim society in this region. Dr. Anisuzzaman, in his presidential speech, paid rich tribute to Abul Fazal both as a social reformer and a creative writer.
Cultural activist Dulal Dasgupta read out excerpts from the works of Abul Fazal while 'Raktakarabi' rendered the inaugural song. An exhibition of hand-written manuscripts, diary and books of Abul Fazal was also arranged on this occasion.
The library will remain open for all from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday every week.