There was a time when well-to-do families boasted about their private libraries or extensive book collections. However, this custom seems to have faded over time, especially with the advent of the internet era.
It has become increasingly frequent to notice the younger generation showing less interest in reading books, with their curiosity often confined to textbooks alone.
The youthful enthusiasm that used to greet the release of a new book by authors like Humayun Ahmed, Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, or Anisul Haque is now noticeably less vibrant.
The hustle and bustle of modern life
Many attribute this shift to the overbearing demands of school and private tuition that consume a large portion of children's time, leaving little for extracurricular reading.
Many parents continue to cherish their reading habits but find it challenging to instil this passion in their offspring, who seem more drawn to playing mobile games than reading books.
It is increasingly apparent that parents have a pivotal role in making their children more book-oriented.
An increase or decrease in book reading?
Views diverge when it comes to whether interest in reading books has grown or declined in general.
Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College Principal Belayet Hossain said: "We notice a certain interest in reading books among children. But parents need to be actively engaged in fostering this."
He emphasized that his institution continually motivates children to read books in tandem with their studies and provides library facilities to support this.
A teacher from Lalmatia Girls High School, who preferred to remain anonymous, reported a change in behaviour.
"Before the pandemic, it was hard to get the children out of the library. But recently, that enthusiasm has dissipated," she said.
She suspects that academic pressure is preventing students from exploring books beyond their syllabus.
Batighar Library: A different story
In contrast, the Batighar library paints a different picture. It continues to attract readers of all ages, from young children to those in their sixties, who are seen absorbed in their favourite books.
"People still come, read, and spend time here, just like before the pandemic. They enjoy their time with books as much as they wish," Faisal Islam, a long-standing employee at Batighar, affirmed.
Reading over social media
Madrasa students Ananya and Aisha, regulars at the Batighar library, have been avid readers since childhood. They assert that reading books offers far more benefits than squandering time on mobile phones or social media.
This sentiment is shared by Jahangirnagar University students Lutfunnahar and Sadia.
"While interest persists, our busy schedules make regular reading a challenge. More time is spent on social media. But we certainly make an effort to read books when time permits," they said.
The ICD Division of the Bangladesh government reveals that the country has 23.3 million Facebook users, with a large proportion being youth.
Promoting a culture of reading
Ahmed Hossain, assistant manager at Biswa Sahitya Kendra, said: "We visit various schools to instil in children an appreciation for reading beyond textbooks. Our initiatives are carried out across approximately 300 upazilas in the country, working directly under the Ministry of Education."
However, he reiterated the importance of parental involvement, saying: "Parents have a crucial role to play. Without their encouragement, children may never cultivate a love for reading. We motivate children at school, as do the teachers. If this encouragement continues at home, it's more likely that children will develop an interest in books."
