Literature museum attracts visitors

A private university student Nibir and his friends were mesmerised watching collections of the Jatiya Sahitya O Lekhak Jadughar on the Bangla Academy complex yesterday.
The museum displays an array of documents, articles, graphics and photos on the evolution of Bangla language and literature. Manuscripts and portraits of eminent writers of Bangla literature and belongings of some late poets were also displayed.
“I had little knowledge that Bangla language and literature is so enriched, and that dedication of so many poets and writers lies behind it,” said Nibir.
Nibir, who came to buy books from the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, visited the museum set up on the ground floor of the historic Burdwan House in the city.
Bangla Academy authorities opened the museum right after the inauguration of the month-long book fair on February 1.
The place displays works of prominent poets and writers including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Jibanananda Dash, Dr Muhammad Shahidullah, Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay, Deen Bandhu Mitra, Buddhadeb Basu and Fakir Lalan Shah.
“The photographs of young Rabindranath and manuscripts of some of his poems and stories attract me most,” said Jewel, another visitor.
Alongside, belongings of late poets Sufia Kamal and Shamsur Rahman exhibited there made the elderly visitors nostalgic.
Some visitors said the museum was a big inspiration, and that its space should be enlarged to house more collections.
Meanwhile, the book fair witnessed a huge rush last evening, as it was the last weekend before the fair closes this month.