Sudhijan Pathagar: A beacon of light in Narayanganj
NN ONLINE:
For centuries, books have been one of the key mediums for preserving human knowledge and history. And from these collections of books, emerge the libraries—spaces where people can explore the vast world of diverse knowledge.
Libraries continue to spread the light of knowledge generation after generation. They offer opportunities for new realizations, learning, and intellectual growth. With such an aim, the journey of ‘Sudhijan Pathgar’ began in Narayanganj.
A group of book-loving and visionary young men initiated the founding of Sudhijan Pathagar. In 1964, a small room in Rajani Nibas, owned by Rahmat Ullah Haji on Harkanta Banerjee Road in the Amlapara area of Narayanganj, marks the beginning of the library.
Professor Nurul Haque, Fazle Rabbi, Hossain Jamal, Shawkat Ali, Salahuddin Ahmed, Sharif Sarwar, along with a team of enthusiastic volunteers, launched the library’s journey. According to library staff, the library began with only 10 books, 1 table, 6 chairs, and 1 bookshelf.
Six decades later, Sudhijan Pathagar now houses over 50,000 books, of which more than 30,000 are in readable condition. The collection includes 25,000 Bangla books and 5,000 English and other-language books.
The library has 10,000 registered members, with around 1,500 who regularly read. Enriched with literature, history, biographies, encyclopedias, and various other resources, this library continues to illuminate minds.
Every day bookworms flock to the library just after it opens. Some search for and read their favorite books; some borrow books to read at home. Others read newspapers and magazines. From 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the reading room of the library remains lively with readers of all ages. After its inception in Amlapara in 1964, the library was moved in 1969 to the Cooperative Building on Bibi Road.
In 1978, with the support of the then Chairman of Narayanganj Municipality, late Ali Ahmad Chunka, and the then Dhaka’s Deputy Commissioner A.M.M. Shawkat Ali, the municipality leased land to the library, and it moved into its own building.
However, challenges remained. After becoming a director of Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Shawkat Ali again came forward to support the library’s infrastructure development.
With his help, the rent for the ground and first floors was paid three years in advance. Using that amount, a three-story building was constructed, and on 26 April 1987, the library was shifted to the third floor. Since then, under the care of many individuals, the library has continued its steady journey, enriching the minds of thousands of readers.
To become a member, students must pay an annual fee of Taka 287, and general readers Taka 347, which includes a one-time fee of Taka 200. Besides members, many people visit daily to read newspapers and magazines in the reading area.
Regular reader Monir Hossain said, “With a minimal fee, one can read here all year round. Students beyond academic studies come here to read newspapers and books to quench their thirst for knowledge. This library is a blessing for the people of Narayanganj.”
According to the library authorities, every year a distinguished individual contributing significantly to the education sector is awarded the Hossain Jamal Memorial Award, which carries a prize of Taka 50,000. Additionally, the Professor Nurul Haque Literary Award gives the winner Taka 100,000. The library also organizes multiple educational and cultural competitions for school students.
It has published three books highlighting the history and heritage of Narayanganj: Narayanganjer Itihash (History of Narayanganj) which was published on 26 March 1985, “Bangla Sangskritir Shotoborsho” (Hundred Years of Bangla Culture) edited by Dr. Karunamoy Goswami and funded by A.K.M. Shamsuzzoh Foundation in 1994, and “Adhyakkho Khagendranath Chakraborty Smarak Grantho “Principal Khagendranath Chakraborty Memorial Book (published in 2005). The library’s supervisor Imtiaz Faruq Moin said, “For decades, Sudhijan Pathagar has been spreading the light of education in Narayanganj.
Its aesthetic environment allows students and readers of all backgrounds to study peacefully. To keep pace with modern times, we are soon launching our own website and mobile app. Readers will then be able to access book-related information online. We also operate a mobile library service through our pickup van for different schools.”
Veteran journalist and writer of Narayanganj Ohidul Haque Khan remarked, “Sudhijan Pathagar has nurtured many writers. It has fulfilled the reading demands of poets, writers, and readers. There is no alternative to reading books. This library has played a key role in bringing books to the younger generation of this city.”