Mirsharai Library Comes Alive with Autumn Poetry, Book Reading and Baul Music

Jewel Nag,Mirsarai. MIRSHARAI, Chattogram: The premises of Rokeya Sattar Memorial Library in Purba Govania, Mirsharai, Chattogram, came alive with autumn poetry, literary readings and the soulful melodies of Baul music as a three-day book-reading festival concluded with a vibrant cultural programme. The closing ceremony of the festival, organised by the Mirsharai Upazila branch of Jugantor Shwajan Samabesh, was held on Saturday afternoon, October 17. The event brought together poets, writers, readers and cultural enthusiasts through a variety of literary and cultural activities. Participants recited nature-themed poems by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Jibanananda Das, celebrating the beauty of autumn. The programme also featured recitations of original poems written by participants. The festival aimed to promote the joy of reading and foster a reading habit among people, with the concluding session highlighting creativity and literary expression. Tanvirul Kader, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Mirsharai and administrator of Mirsharai Municipality, attended the programme as the chief guest. He welcomed initiatives that encourage people to read books, expressed solidarity with creative and cultural activities, and pledged to support the overall development of the areas surrounding the library. Professor Akhtaruzzaman presided over the ceremony, while poet and journalist Mahbub Palash, founder of the library, conducted the programme. Special guests included former Mirsharai Press Club president Nurul Alam; Professor Shamsunnahar; newly elected president of the Mirsharai Upazila Press Club Rajib Majumder; Chattogram-based poet and writer Alamgir Hossain; poet and social worker Rafia Dolly; poets and writers Nigar Sultana and Rehena Akter; poet Shahadat Hossain Liton; Lutful Kabir Bhuiyan; Master Hossain Sabuj; poet and teacher Shiuli Barua; poet and teacher Saifuddin Mir Shahin; Master Mazharul Haque; Maulana Alauddin; Taslima Chowdhury Surabhi; Md Alamgir Hossain; Jalil Master; Shakti Majumder; and Muslim Uddin. Journalists Nasir Uddin and Imam Hossain, along with Jabed Hossain, Sanwar Islam Roni, Shihab Uddin Shiblu, Azmal Hossain, Haradhan Chakraborty, Rakibul Hasan and Tabibur Rahman, also addressed the gathering, among others. During the closing session, participants in different categories of the book-reading programme were presented with awards. Five distinguished poets selected by Khabarika—Sittul Muna, Rafia Dolly, Nigar Sultana, Rehena Akter and Mahbuba Chowdhury—were also honoured. Poet Alamgir Hossain received the crest on behalf of Mahbuba Chowdhury. The festival concluded on a melodious note with performances of Lalon songs by Sujan Baul and Shubhashree, who travelled from Chattogram. Their soulful renditions captivated the audience, bringing the three-day festival to a memorable close. Blending poetry, book reading and traditional Baul music, the festival concluded with renewed hopes of advancing literary pursuits, cultivating reading habits and strengthening cultural activities in the community.