Bauphal public library still unopened two years after inauguration, autorickshaws occupy the front; UNO promises opening this week

Nearly two years after its inauguration, the public library beside the public field at Bauphal upazila town in Patuakhali has still not been opened to readers. With the building lying unused for a long time, there are fears that the books and furniture inside are being damaged.

The space in front of the library, meanwhile, has been occupied by an autorickshaw stand. Urination in the surrounding area is spreading a stench. Local residents allege that drug users also gather on the library roof at night.

According to local sources, the 'Bauphal General Library' was established in 1991 at the initiative of the then upazila nirbahi officer Niaz Uddin Mia. Its founding general secretary was the late Abdul Sattar, former acting principal of Bauphal Government College. The responsibility was later carried out by AKM Humayun Kabir, a former professor of Keshabpur College.

After its founding, the library was a gathering place for book lovers and knowledge seekers. Its management committee was formed by direct vote of general members. The library stayed open to everyone every day from the afternoon until 10pm. People from different classes and professions, including students, came there to read books and newspapers.

At one stage, when the old building became dilapidated, the library's activities stopped. The Bauphal Reporters Unity now operates from that building. A demand then arose to build a new building and restart the library.

Following students' demands, a new building was constructed at the initiative of ASM Feroz, a former Bauphal MP and former chief whip. The building was inaugurated nearly two years ago by Aminul Islam, the then upazila nirbahi officer of Bauphal.

But as the library was never launched even after the inauguration, the expectations of local students and book lovers remain unmet. A visit to the spot found books and furniture lying inside the library, at risk of damage from long disuse and lack of maintenance. Autorickshaws are kept in rows in front of the building.

Local residents say a library creates opportunities for the area's students and young people to read books and pursue knowledge. If it opened, residents would be able to gain knowledge beyond textbooks and read newspapers and periodicals. It would also create a field for engaging young people in constructive activities.

Former general secretary of Bauphal General Library AKM Humayun Kabir said, 'If the library opened, ordinary people of the area including students would get the chance to read books. But as it has not opened in nearly two years, the books and furniture risk being damaged. We want the authorities to open the library quickly and make it fit for public use.'

Bauphal Press Club general secretary Jasim Uddin said, 'A library is one of the main means of acquiring knowledge. Yet it has lain closed for a long time. Autorickshaws are kept in front of the library. Because of urination nearby, even moving around has become difficult due to the stench. There are also allegations that drug users climb onto the roof at night to take drugs. The authorities concerned need to pay attention to these matters.'

On the matter, Bauphal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saleh Ahmed said, 'Within this week, the library will be cleaned, a suitable environment ensured, and it will be opened for students and the general public.'

Local residents expect that alongside a quick opening, arrangements will be made to run the library's activities regularly. They have also demanded preservation of the books and furniture, formation of a management committee, freeing the front space from autorickshaw occupation and ensuring a clean environment.