DHAKA, Nov 2, 2024 (BSS) - Professor Emeritus and literary critic Sirajul Islam Chowdhury today said the libraries need to be made an excellence center of cultural practice.

"The role of books is most important in practicing culture. There were libraries in almost every area. But those are now lifeless. Those libraries should be reinvigorated," he said.

The eminent historian said this while inaugurating a book fair titled 'Otijjyo Book Festival' organized by Otijjyo Prakashona at Bangla Academy here.

Mentioning that the capitalist system is isolating people every day, making far distance among mankind, Chowdhury said, "Resistance against this system exists, but on small scale. In the long run, humanity will win. This is the source of optimism and hope".

He said capitalism is patronising fascist rule in different countries around the world. Capitalism has reached its peak which will be destroyed worldwide and an era of socialism and joint ownership on property will be established, he hoped.

Chowdhury also said, "We encourage reading not just for acquiring knowledge but for understanding own-self, wellness, and personal growth."

The eminent columnist said the history is distorted as there was no national unity even after 53 years of independence.

About the publication, Chowdhury said Oitijjyo is publishing books even in unfavorable situation. They are publishing creative books, he added.

But unfortunately, he said people are not interested in reading books. The powerful people are making weapons of death and killing people like birds, he continued.

Writer Sharmin Ahmed, young translator Mahin Haque and Oitijjyo publisher Arifur Rahman Naeem, among others, addressed it.