A teacher’s mission to protect literary heritage

In the quiet village of Uttar Baravita in Kurigram’s Phulbari upazila, a unique tribute to Bangla literature stands as a testament to one man’s dedication.
Built on 10 decimals of land, the “Bangabhasha Lekhok Jadughar,” a museum preserving Bangla language and literature, showcases a treasure trove of rare books, biographies, and letters from celebrated writers and poets.
Opened in December 2023, this museum is only the second “Writer’s Museum” in Bangladesh, following the Bangla Academy’s Bardhaman House established in 2011.
Touhid-ul Islam, a 57-year-old teacher at Lalmonirhat Government Girls’ High School and an accomplished lyricist, built this museum from a deep sense of responsibility to his culture.
Known for his Bhawaiya and modern song compositions aired on Bangladesh Betar and BTV, Touhid’s devotion to Bangla heritage shines in his life’s work.
With five galleries, the museum displays photographs and biographies of over 200 late poets and writers, alongside defunct Bangla newspapers and magazines that highlight the region’s rich literary history.
Touhid said he began the project with Tk 2 lakh from the “IPDC-Prothom Alo Best Teacher Award” he received in 2022, supplementing the funds with his own earnings.
He also established a library on two decimals of land, boasting 6,000 books, and the Syed Shamsul Haque Cultural Club in 2021.
“I had to sell some of my land to support my vision, leaving me with just two bighas of farmland,” he said.
His wife Begum Amina Sultana said, “Initially, we found his efforts unusual, but seeing the response and admiration he got from people, we now admire his commitment.”
Their son Anupam Saikat Apu, a Dhaka University student, and college-goer daughter Nilanjana Saikat Nila echoed her.
They said their father’s work will remain as a contribution that will live on beyond their lifetime.
During a recent visit, this correspondent saw that locals of various age groups visit the library. He also saw Touhid encouraging young readers by giving chocolates to children who came to borrow books.
Students, teachers, and curious visitors from across the region come to explore the museum’s collections and learn about the lives of poets and writers who helped shape Bangla literature.
“This museum has immense historical value,” said local journalist Mahfuzar Rahman, noting that it offers people in the village a unique opportunity to connect with their heritage.
Touhid said, “I hope to preserve these collections in a more secure, concrete structure, as the current tin-shed building leaves the artefacts vulnerable.”
“I do hope the government will support me to safeguard this cultural repository, but, if needed, I’m prepared to continue investing my own savings, including my retirement funds, to maintain the museum.”
“My collection is inspiring this generation to thirst for knowledge,” Touhid says, “and I believe it will guide future generations in understanding our historical heritage. The museum, library, and cultural club are my contributions to nation-building, and in that, I find my ultimate peace.”