The New Nation - Internet Edition

DU Correspondent

The Central Library of Dhaka University, the richest library in the country, possesses rare collection of 6,17,000 books, manuscripts, journals along with microfilms, microfiches and CDs.

The library is now regarded as the most valuable research center among the libraries of the South Asia for its huge rare collection that draws the attention of researchers from home and abroad.

The rare manuscripts that are facing decay due to lack of preservation for a long time and normal wear and tear were being converted into Compact Discs (CD) so that the researchers can use these easily. A cyber center equipped with 25 Computers and two Servers will be set up soon for the students, teachers of the university and the researchers, library sources said.

The library authority yesterday arranged a seminar on 'Manuscripts' at the cyber centre room.

Vice Chancellor of the university Prof SMA Faiz inaugurated the seminar as chief guest, while Pro VC AFM Yusuf Haider was present as special guest with Prof Shamsuddin Ahmed in the chair.

Prof Abul Mansur Abu Musa and Librarian Khandakar Fazlur Rahman addressed the function where two keynote papers were presented.

DU VC said the manuscripts of the authors are very important to the researchers for reaching the right conclusion.

The library authorities have to try to reach the facilities to the students and draw them there, he said adding that the reputation of a university depends on the richness of the library.

The library started its journey in 1921 with 18,000 books including 1,250 manuscripts for higher education and research work of the university's teachers and students. In 1925, the university authority formed a high level committee to collect manuscripts from home and abroad. At present, it has 30,000 manuscripts. The Committee collected at least 17,000 manuscripts from East Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal in 1933.

The manuscripts are diverse in calligraphy and subjects, including poetry, drama, history, grammar, religious books, astrology and letter in languages including Bangla, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, Maithili and, Assamees.

The university authority is using modern technology like air coolers, dehumidifiers to preserve the valuable collections.