Jaynal Abedin, a day labourer and 'Gunijan'

Jaynal Abedin, a 35-year-old day labourer, earns his living through various jobs, including work at brick kilns. For Jaynal, missing a day of work means his family has to go without food. Despite these challenges, he has earned recognition as a "Gunijan", a title awarded to individuals dedicated to social welfare and community service.
On Friday afternoon, Jaynal was honoured with the Poet Syed Shamsul Haque "Gunijan Honour" at a ceremony organised by the Poet Syed Shamsul Haque Cultural Club in Uttar Baravita Boi Mor village, Phulbari upazila, Kurigram.
The award was presented to him by writer and researcher Dr Shashwat Bhattacharya, with notable attendees including Abdul Halim Pramanik Samrat, a writer and Jagannath University teacher, and poet Towhid-ul-Islam.
Attendees at the ceremony emphasised that true "Gunijan" status cannot be bought with wealth or power; it is earned through a commitment to social work and human welfare. Jaynal Abedin embodies this principle, demonstrating that day labourers can rise through good deeds and become role models within their communities.
Jaynal's passion for reading led him to establish a library in his village, named "Satvita Granthoneer", which serves as a beacon of education. Despite facing severe poverty, he remains dedicated to fostering a love for reading among villagers.
Having studied up to class five, Jaynal began working in a brick kiln after his father, Kashem Ali, passed away in 2002. He saved his earnings to purchase books, acquiring around 300 over 14 years, including novels and biographies of renowned writers.
In 2016, with his savings of Tk 20,000, he bought one decimal of land and built a tin shed to house the library. Since then, the collection has grown to 3,700 books, supported by a government grant that facilitated the construction of a dedicated building in 2022.
The library has become a vital resource for teachers and students from Paschim Satvita and nearby areas, who visit regularly to read and borrow books. It stands as a centre of knowledge, bustling with eager readers each day.
"I established the library out of my passion for reading," Jaynal shared with The Daily Star. "I have been addicted to books since my time working in the brick kiln, and I continue to read every day."
He aims to spark interest in reading among villagers, believing that books are our best friends and essential for navigating life and society effectively.
Towhid-ul-Islam, a poet and lyricist, said Jaynal's enthusiasm has inspired others in the village to follow suit. His contributions to education are invaluable.
Jaynal lives on a piece of ancestral land, which includes two tin shed houses. One is occupied by his elderly mother, Jaygun Bewa, while he resides with his wife and child in the other.
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