The memorial museum and library built in honour of Language Movement martyr Abdus Salam in Feni remain largely inactive and neglected for most of the year, raising concerns among locals about preserving the legacy of one of 1952’s fallen heroes.
Abdus Salam was among the young men who sacrificed their lives to uphold Bangla during the Language Movement.
Located in Salam Nagar of Daganbhuiyan Upazila, the Salam Memorial Museum and Library has long suffered from poor maintenance and lack of regular activities.
Residents say the premises come alive only around International Mother Language Day, while for the rest of the year the facility remains silent and nearly abandoned.
Although the library shelves contain books on history, the Liberation War, literature, religion, poetry and novels, most are outdated, with no new titles added since 2018.
Furniture and cupboards were damaged in last year’s floods, yet no visible repair work has been undertaken, leaving books scattered on tables and exposed to possible theft.
Abdus Salam’s only surviving brother, Abdul Karim, said regular initiatives are needed to keep the museum and library vibrant.
“Monthly literary readings, debates or educational events would increase public interest,” he said.
Local resident Md Shahadat Hossain said readers still visit, but the absence of updated books discourages many.
Flood-damaged furniture has not yet been repaired, he added.
Visitor M Kawsar suggested creating a small children’s park to make the site more attractive beyond 21 February.
Museum librarian Lutfur Rahman Babul said the only notable relic of the martyr on display is a photograph, and that the library remains without readers for most of the year.
Seven cupboards were damaged in the floods, but no steps have yet been taken to replace them, he said.
Daganbhuiyan Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Shahidul Islam said the matter has been reported to higher authorities and necessary steps would be taken soon.
Feni Zila Parishad Chief Executive Officer Mahfuza Matin said any shortage of books would be addressed and a caretaker is responsible for maintenance, while competitions are organised by a body named Salam Parishad.
Abdus Salam was born in 1925 in Lakshmanpur village of Daganbhuiyan Upazila in Feni district.
He studied up to class nine at Matubhuinya Karim Ullah High School.
On 21 February 1952, he was shot by police while participating in protests demanding Bangla as a state language in defiance of Section 144.
He later died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Lakshmanpur village was subsequently renamed Salam Nagar in his honour.
Local observers fear that without urgent and effective measures, the museum and library established to commemorate the martyr’s sacrifice may sink further into neglect.
