Library vandalised, torched after ouster of Hasina's govt

RAJSHAHI, Aug 25: Following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, mob vandalised and set fire to a library named 'Belgachi Library and Pathak Club' in Rajshahi's Mohanpur upazila.

On August 5, a massive crowd exalted over Sheikh Hasina's resignation as the prime minister and her subsequent fleeing from the country poured into the streets.

A segment of the crowd went on a rampage in various public and private establishments, who swooped on 'Belgachi Library' as well. They vandalised the establishment and set it afire.

Recently, visiting Belgachi village, this correspondent found that, inside the library building, there were cupboards, tables, chairs, computers and books lying in heaps of ashes.

Regular readers of the library were lamenting the destruction of their beloved place. Those closely associated with the library were shocked over the incident.

Sources said the library started journey on February 21, 2014 with the aim of spreading the light of knowledge among the locals.

The library was established by a student named Abul Basar at a place 17 kilometres north of Rajshahi city and eight kilometers south of Mohanpur upazila headquarters at Belgachi village in Mougachi union of the upazila.

At that time, he was a first-year student of English Literature in Rajshahi College.

At present the total number of members of the library is 133.

People could study here daily from 10am to 10 pm. Readers do not have to pay any fee except for becoming a member by filling up a form of Tk10.

There were 3,100 books in collection of the library registered by the Department of Social Services and Public Libraries. But unfortunately vandals burnt to ashes most of the books.

Besides, eight cupboards, one round table, one computer and two fans of the library were damaged.

Abdus Salam (60), president of the library managing committee and also a farmer who donated the land, said, "Miscreants also attacked my house, but I suffered more because of vandalism and arson in the library."

Shyamoli Begum, assistant secretary of the library managing committe, said after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, people from nearby villages broke the lock and vandalised the library.

Abul Basar, the founder of the library, said, "I do not understand the reason for the attack and vandalism of the library. Whatever the reason is, it is a big loss for the local people. The matter has been reported to the UNO."

Mohanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ayesha Siddika said that the attack on the library was a very heart-wrenching incident.

From 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, when it was time, readers would come to the library to read books and newspapers. It was an ideal place in the village.

It is to be noted that the operation of the library started in 2014 with the slogan, 'Educated with good lessons, I devote myself to the welfare of the country and the nation'.

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