Staff Reporter

Kazi Nazrul Islam, long celebrated as the “National Poet” of Bangladesh, is set to receive formal state recognition with the publication of a gazette officially declaring his title.

The Advisory Council of the interim government approved the proposal during a meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (December 5).

The decision, brought forward by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, was confirmed in a press release from the Cabinet Division.

While the gazette formalises Kazi Nazrul Islam’s status as the national poet, a proposal to include his name in the constitution was not approved.

Additional Secretary Md Ataur Rahman explained that constitutional amendments require a functioning parliament, which is not currently in place. He assured that steps would be taken when the opportunity arises.

Although Kazi Nazrul Islam has been widely recognised as the national poet since 1987, the status lacked official acknowledgment beyond mentions in the Poet Kazi Nazrul Institute Act. The current interim government, formed after the August 5 mass uprising, has prioritized reforms, including this historic recognition.

Born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia of Burdwan in West Bengal, Kazi Nazrul Islam was a prolific poet, novelist, lyricist, composer, and editor. His literary career, spanning just 23 years, produced an unparalleled wealth of work, cementing his legacy as one of Bengal’s most influential figures.

Nazrul received numerous accolades, including the Jagattarini Gold Medal, Ekushey Padak, Swadhinata Puraskar, and Padma Bhushan, alongside an honourary D Litt from Dhaka University.

Struck by a debilitating illness in 1942, Nazrul was unable to continue his literary pursuits and lived in isolation for the next 34 years.

In 1972, the Bangladesh government brought him and his family to Dhaka, granting him citizenship. He passed away on August 29, 1976, and was laid to rest beside the Dhaka University Mosque.