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Library locked down for 16 years

Azibor Rahman, thmidah
The M.N Khan public library, established during the reign of the British period at Kacherkol union under Shailkupa upazila, had been locked for 16 years due to political feud. As a result, citizens of the upazila are deprived of studying different types of necessary reading materials.
Official sources said that Jamindar (landlord) Khan Bahadur Kazi Sarowar Uddin and Dr. Habibur Rahman of Kacherkol union took the initiative of establishing this public library in 1936. The first construction was a tin shed at Kachua. During that time, newspapers were provided to this library from Kolkata.
In 1942, a more permanent building was established at Kacherkol bazaar, through initiative from the then Jessore district magistrate M.N Khan. He also provided funding for this building, inaugurated and named
it Kacherkol M.N public library and village hall. As time went on, the collection of the library developed even further and became a haven for valuable books.
Over time, the library became popular and number of people visiting the library increased. At one time, even a radio was provided there. People from all walks of life used to throng to the library from 5/6 miles away to listen to news on the radio.
Jamilur Rashid, retired headmaster of Benipur secondary school under Kacherkol union in Shailkupa upazila, said that most of the students flocked to the library to study its rich collection of books covering many different topics.
Moli Mia of the Jamindar family used to look after the library. After his demise however, political feuds started between the local leaders. In 1998, the library was locked down because of this feud. During this lockup, many valuable books and other furniture got
damaged, and locals have grabbed the land in front of the library.
Makhon Biswas, 85, of Kacherkol village said, "Once upon a time we, the students of the upazila, used to get together and studied there and prepared quality notes with help from the relevant books. It is one of the great learning places in the greater Jessore district".
Kacherkol UP chairman Salauddin Joardar Mamun said that he is trying heart and soul to run the library. He also added that nobody comes to the library in the fear of an attack as this upazila is full of outlaws. He plans to call a meeting, inviting the elite of the upazila and take necessary action in this regard.
Shailkupa upazila UNO Mohammad Ali Prince said that this is an ancient and famous library in Jhenidah district. The plan is to get this library up and running soon and necessary steps needed will be taken soon.