TDS Desk:

Bangladesh is commemorating the 126th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday, paying homage to the iconic literary figure whose revolutionary spirit and artistic legacy continue to shape the nation’s cultural and philosophical identity.

Born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia village of West Bengal’s Bardhaman district, Nazrul rose to prominence as a poet of resistance, voicing defiance against British colonial rule, social injustice, and religious bigotry. His dynamic literary career earned him the title of Bidrohi Kobi (Rebel Poet), and in 1972, upon his arrival in newly-liberated Bangladesh, he was officially designated as the country’s National Poet.

In a landmark move earlier this year, the Interim Government issued a formal gazette on January 2, making this the first state-recognised celebration of Nazrul’s birth anniversary, setting a new precedent in honoring the poet’s contribution to the national consciousness.

To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and district-level administrations, has arranged a series of cultural events in both Dhaka and Cumilla, extending across several days.

The centerpiece of the celebrations will unfold in Cumilla from May 25, featuring a three-day programme under the theme “Legacy of Kazi Nazrul in the 2024 People’s Uprising”—a nod to his enduring influence in times of political resistance.

The inaugural ceremony at the Cumilla District Shilpakala Academy will be attended by Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as chief guest, with Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman presiding. Other notable attendees include Md Latiful Islam Shibli, Executive Director of the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, and Khilkhil Kazi, Nazrul’s granddaughter and chairperson of the Trustee Board.

A commemorative lecture will be delivered by prominent academic Professor Salimullah Khan, while Cumilla DC Md Amirul Kaisar will give the welcome address. The ceremony will conclude with a special performance titled “Chetona O Jagorone Nazrul” by BSA artistes.

A corresponding event will be held in the capital on May 26 at 6:30 PM at the National Theatre Hall of BSA, featuring cultural performances and tributes.

The Bangla Academy has also announced recipients of the Nazrul Award 2024: researcher Anwarul Haque and vocalist Shabnam Mushtari will be honored for their contributions to Nazrul scholarship and music. The awards will be presented during a special event on Sunday.

In addition, leading cultural organization Chhayanaut will hold its annual Nazrul Utshab on May 25–26 at its Dhanmondi auditorium, showcasing music, poetry, and dance performances by students and guest artistes.

Adding a modern dimension to the tribute, the Kabi Nazrul Institute will host a large-scale public concert on May 31 at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. The highlight will be the launch of a new music album featuring 10 iconic Nazrul songs reimagined by leading contemporary bands such as Warfaze, Souls, Ark, Shironamhin, and Black. The event will include live performances, poetry recitations, and theatrical presentations, aimed at reintroducing Nazrul’s work to a younger generation.

Nazrul’s life was as multifaceted as his work. After serving in the British Indian Army in 1917, he returned to civilian life as a writer, journalist, composer, and activist. His fiery editorial in the newspaper Dhumketu and revolutionary poem Anandamoyeer Agomoney led to his imprisonment in 1922.

Despite a relatively short creative span of just over two decades, Nazrul penned thousands of poems, nearly 3,000 songs, novels, short stories, and essays. He also directed films, acted on screen, and composed music for stage and cinema—leaving behind a legacy unrivaled in Bangla literature and music.

The National Poet passed away on August 29, 1976, at Dhaka’s PG Hospital. As per his wishes, he was laid to rest beside the central mosque of Dhaka University, forever becoming a part of the nation he helped awaken.