The nation is celebrating the 126th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam paying tribute to the revolutionary poet whose prolific work in literature, music, and philosophy continues to inspire generations.
Born on May 24, 1899 (11th Jaishtha, 1306 Bangla year) in Churulia village of Asansol in West Bengal’s Bardhaman district, Nazrul rose to prominence as a poet of rebellion and love, challenging colonial oppression, religious extremism, and social injustice through his fearless writing.
Although Nazrul was declared the National Poet of Bangladesh on May 24, 1972, the day he arrived in the country, this year marks the first state-recognised celebration of his birth anniversary following the Interim Government’s formal gazette notification on January 2, officially recognising him as the National Poet.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and district administrations, has arranged a series of nationwide events including in Dhaka and Cumilla.
The national-level celebration will begin on May 25 with a three-day programme in Cumilla, under the theme “Legacy of Kazi Nazrul in the 2024 People's Uprising,” highlighting the poet’s enduring influence in the struggle for justice.
The inaugural ceremony at Cumilla District Shilpakala Academy will feature Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as the chief guest, with Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman presiding.
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Md Latiful Islam Shibli, Executive Director of the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, and the poet’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi, chairperson of the Trustee Board, will join as special guests.
Educationist Professor Salimullah Khan will deliver a commemorative speech while Cumilla DC Md Amirul Kaisar will give the welcome remarks.
The event will also include the presentation of the Nazrul Award 2023 and 2024 to selected recipients, followed by a cultural performance by BSA titled “Chetona O Jagorone Nazrul” (Nazrul in Spirit and Awakening).
A similar programme will be held in Dhaka at BSA's National Theatre Hall on May 26 at 6:30 pm.
Meanwhile, Bangla Academy announced on Saturday that researcher Anwarul Haque and singer Shabnam Mushtari will receive this year’s Nazrul Award for their contributions to Nazrul research and music. The awards will be presented at a special event hosted by the academy on Sunday.
Renowned cultural institution Chhayanaut will hold its annual Nazrul Utshab (Nazrul Festival) on May 25–26 at its auditorium in Dhanmondi, featuring songs, recitations, and dance by Chhayanaut performers and invited artists.
To further commemorate the occasion, the Kabi Nazrul Institute will host a grand concert on May 31 at Manik Mia Avenue, launching a new music album featuring 10 iconic Nazrul songs remastered by 10 of the country’s leading bands including Warfaze, Souls, Ark, Shironamhin, and Black. The free public event will include live band performances, poetry recitations, and cultural presentations.
Nazrul, who joined the British Indian Army in 1917 and later took up literature, journalism, and activism, left behind an extraordinary legacy. He published the influential 'Dhumketu' newspaper in 1922 and was sentenced to a year in prison for his poem 'Anandamoyeer Agomoney'.
Over a career spanning just 22 years, he composed around 3,000 songs and wrote countless poems, short stories, novels, and essays.
He also directed films, including 'Dhruva', in which he also acted, and composed music for theatre and cinema.
The National Poet passed away on August 29, 1976, at the then PG Hospital in Dhaka. Honouring his wish, he was buried beside the central mosque of Dhaka University.