Enriching libraries, enriching minds: A national commitment

Md. Anwarul Islam

On 5 February 2025, the Department of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) at the University of Dhaka commemorated National Library Day with a series of events. The celebration began with a rally at 10:00 am, inaugurated by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) of the University of Dhaka, Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed. The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, the Chairman of the ISLM Department, faculty members, and students. The rally, showcasing various themes, slogans, and festoons, passed through different parts of the university campus. Following the rally, a seminar was organised, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, joining as the chief guest and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts as the special guest.

The panel discussion featured Professor Dr M. Nasiruddin Munshi and the Vice-President of the Library Association of Bangladesh, Mr Kazi Abdul Majed, who shared their insights on the theme of the seminar. On the theme ‘সমৃদ্ধ হোক গ্রন্থাগার, এই আমাদের অঙ্গীকার,’ the keynote paper Enriching Libraries, Enriching Minds: A National Commitment was presented by Dr Md Anwarul Islam, Professor, ISLM Department and Advisor to the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) South Asia Chapter.

The speaker highlighted key areas where libraries need to focus for further enrichment to become a true community hub. Emphasising the importance of promoting reading habits among community members, the speaker also stressed the need to design library services based on community needs. Quoting, “Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, and great libraries build communities,” the speaker underscored the goal of developing libraries that actively foster community engagement and growth.

The seminar commenced with an opening speech by the National Library Day convener, Professor Dr Md Shiful Islam, and was presided over by the Chairman of the Department, Professor Dr Roknuzzaman. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the chairman, and the seminar was anchored by Mashiat Tabassum, Associate Professor of the Department. The seminar was organised in collaboration with the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) South Asia Chapter.