Sahityaghar Gonogronthaghar, a privately established library open to all, is spreading knowledge in rural areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, on October 14, 2020, Rimon Barua and a few friends launched “Amar Pathagar,” a mobile library in the Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar district.
Initially, they exchanged books door-to-door, but on February 21, 2021, the library was formally inaugurated as Sahityaghar Gonogronthaghar.
Starting with just ten books, the library now boasts over 2,000 books and magazines, thanks to donations from authors, social workers, and supporters across the country.
Sahityaghar offers on-site reading facilities and allows registered members to borrow books at home. Located in Madhyam Merangloya, near the Ramu Upazila Parishad in Cox’s Bazar, the library is officially registered with the Department of Public Libraries under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Rimon Barua, the library’s founder, shared that the vision is establishing Sahityaghar as a hub of science and knowledge. The library has also planted small trees to raise environmental awareness around its premises.
He envisions Sahityaghar becoming a leading center of intellectual and scientific activity in Ramu. Plans include forming debate and science clubs, offering English language and computer courses, and setting up an educational support center for medical, engineering, and university entrance exam candidates.
Sahityaghar Gonogronthaghar aims to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
In collaboration with the non-profit youth organization Youth Position Bangladesh, the library is working towards 17 SDG targets. Current projects focus on quality education, good health and well-being, gender equality, and climate action.
Sahityaghar aspires to be crucial in building an environmentally friendly and scientifically progressive community in Ramu upazila, Cox’s Bazar.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
