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Matri Bhasha Public Library: A catalyst of change

AZIBOR RAHMAN, Jhenidah
'The Matri Bhasha Public Library', founded at a remote village, has become an inspiration to develop the reading habit of the locals. This institution is providing books to the people living in 10 nearby villages since July 13,2001.
The library is being run by TUtul, a young man from the Kaluhuda village under Maheshpur upazila, Jhenidah district.
Talking to this correspondent, 1\itul said. “My aim is to alleviate illiteracy, corruption and injustice from the society." The library has interesting beginnings. IXitul's maternal uncle Shaheed Rahman, a renowned journalist of Jessore gave a copy of his novel, Dhushar Simanta, to Tutul's father. TUtul began his library with this book and with the inspiration of his mother Suktara Begum.
From an early age it was his dream to begin a library where students and book lovers could have access to books of various kinds. “Even poor students can pick up text books along with other supplementary publications," saysTUtul.
Tutul's mother and younger brother Moniruzzaman help him run the library. The facility remains open all day (6 am to 8 pm). Apart from students, teachers, government officials and others visit the library on holidays.
The library has been a catalyst of change in the area. Talking to locals one comes to know that many had to give up their studies since they had no books. However. now that the Matri Bhasha Public Library has come into the picture, many are continuing
their studies. The poor, in particular, have been the beneficiaries of the institution.
One enthusiastic library-goer is Milon Hossain, a student of Class IX at Habashpur Secondary School. “We spend our leisure time reading text books, novels and religious books, among others," he says.
Likewise, Nazrul Hossain, a Class X student of Maheshpur Secondary School, asserts, “The collection of books at the library provide a major support in learning."
Bazlur Rashid., a lecturer, of Katgora’College, describes it as a novel initiative by Tutul. For his part, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Manderbaria UP chairperson, says, “The library has earned a good reputation. However we cannot provide an allotment from the government funds as they are insufficient."
The library has humble beginnings. Following his HSC exams, Tutul set up a thatched house
adjacent to his reading room. After the demise of his father, his mother helped him immensely in building the library. To garner resources for the library, he began to save money. Now he has around 1,500 books.
TUtul comes to the library after his Fazr prayers. Explains Tutul, “This library belongs to all, so everyone in the village takes care of it. The library opens its doors not just to the people of Kaluhuda village but also those from neighbouring areas who have to give a reference. No membership fees are needed for using the library."
There are glitches of course. According to Tutul, during the rainy season, students and other readers are unable to come to the library due to muddy roads. As the library grows, a bigger space and more furniture are required.
Tutul is also somewhat of an environmentalist. He motivates students to plant more trees in their localities and by the sides of the roads.