The 123rd birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed across the country in a befitting manner on Wednesday.
Born on May 25, 1899 or Jaishthya 11, 1306 at Churulia village in Burdwan district of West Bengal in undivided India, Nazrul was a poet, revolutionary, journalist, lyricist, composer, playwright and novelist.
And his raga based songs had developed their taste and inspired them to experience the eternal beauty of love.
The nation took inspirations from his poems and songs during the Liberation War and all democratic movements and struggles.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, highlighting the colourful life of the poet.
and his contributions to Bangla language and literature.
This year, the theme of national poet’s birth anniversary celebration was “Rebel’s Centenary”.
The day’s programme began with placing wreaths on the grave of Kazi Nazrul Islam on beside the Dhaka University central mosque.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman, delegation of different political parties, family members of the poet, different social and cultural organisations and the mass people paid respect to the poet on his grave.
National poet’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi there called the government to archive the songs written and composed by Nazrul.
Experts demanded the government to issue a gazette notification declaring Kazi Nazrul Islam as the national poet of Bangladesh.
The main event of the day was held at Cumilla Birchandra Public Library and City Auditorium (Town Hall) at 11.00am.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud attended the programme as the chief guest. Lawmakers Simin Hossain Rimi, AKM Bahauddin Bahar, Rawshan Ara, the poet’s granddaughters Khilkhil Kazi and Mishti Kazi addressed as special guests in the function presided by State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid.
The country’s leading cultural institution Chhayanaut organised a two-day ‘Nazrul Uthsab’ at Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in the capital’s Dhanmondi area.
Earlier on Tuesday, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in Trishal, Mymensingh, inaugurated a three-day celebration programme, featuring discussions, awards ceremony, photography exhibition and cultural programmes.
Besides, Bangladesh Television and other private television channels and Bangladesh Betar and FM radio stations aired special programmes and newspapers published special contents highlighting the life and works of the national poet.
