National library day to be observed with theme ‘knowledge for liberation’

National Library Day will be observed across the country tomorrow, 5 February 2026, with the theme: "Knowledge for liberation, foundation for the future".

The day aims to highlight the importance and necessity of both public and private libraries, encourage people to become more library-oriented, promote reading habits, and reinforce the role of libraries as centres of intellectual development and the "people's university" for building a thoughtful and enlightened society.

To mark the occasion, the Department of Public Libraries will organise an inaugural programme at 10:00am on 5 February at the premises of the Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka. This will be followed by a special discussion session at the museum's Kabi Sufia Kamal Auditorium on the theme, "Libraries and knowledge practices: perspectives of the 21st century", along with a discussion on the significance and relevance of National Library Day.

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will attend the programmes as chief guest. Special guests will include Md Latiful Islam Shibly, Executive Director of the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute; Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy; and Tanzim Ibne Wahab, Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum.

Professor Dr Kazi Mostak Gausul Haq of the Department of Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka will speak as keynote discussant. Md Mofidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will preside over the programme. Monish Chakma, Director General of the Department of Public Libraries, along with other distinguished guests, will also be present.

In addition to national-level programmes, various events have been organised at district government public libraries across the country. The day will also be observed jointly by district administrations, the Department of Archives and Libraries, Bangla Academy, National Book Centre, Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the University of Dhaka, the Library Association of Bangladesh (LAB), the Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalists (BALID), the Private Public Libraries Association, library professionals from public and private universities, BRAC, and other organisations.

Outside Dhaka, district administrations, educational institutions, public and private universities, and local organisations will observe the day through their own programmes.