Rangpur:High-ranking officials and literary figures at a discussion today emphasized the cultivation of reading habits as a means to foster knowledge growth and combat ignorance and immorality within society. The event took place during the second Rangpur Divisional Readers' Conference 2026, hosted at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, with attendees including authors, literary figures, and representatives from 150 libraries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conference was organized by the Bazlur Rahman Library and featured various events throughout the day. Additional Divisional Commissioner of Rangpur division Md Ashraful Islam served as the chief guest, with poet and researcher Adil Fakir presiding over the proceedings. Special guests included fiction writers Bishwajit Das and Sharif Ahmed.
The conference was formally inaugurated by Alhajj Bazlur Rahman Sarkar, founder of the Bazlur Rahman Library and a notable literary personality. Keynote speeches were delivered by Assistant Director of the National Book Centre Mohammad Enamul Haque and Professor Mohammad Shah Alam, former head of the Department of Bangla at Rangpur Government Begum Rokeya College. Nabir Hossain, member-secretary of the Rangpur Divisional Readers' Conference 2026 Implementation Committee, provided the welcome address, with moderation by literary personalities Irshad Jamil, Lelin Basunia, and Safura Begum.
Speakers at the event highlighted the essential role libraries play in enhancing book reading habits and enriching knowledge by providing access to a vast array of information. The chief guest emphasized that libraries serve as crucial centers for intellectual and professional development, referring to them as the "People's University." He encouraged attendees to frequent libraries and develop a reading habit to become knowledgeable citizens, contributing to an enlightened society and a prosperous Bangladesh.