The 50th death anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed on Thursday.
Nazrul, revered as Bidrohi Kobi (a rebel poet) for his activism for political and social justice, breathed his last in Dhaka on 12th Bhadro of the Bangla calendar year 1383 (August 29, 1976) at the age of 77. He was buried with full state honours beside the Dhaka University (DU) Central Mosque.
Nazrul produced a large volume of poetry and music with themes that included religious devotion and spiritual rebellion against all sorts of oppression.
Different socio-cultural and political organizations arranged elaborate programs on the occasion. Television channels aired special programs on his works and life to observe the day.
The programs started with Qurankhwani after Fajr prayers at the DU Central Mosque by different organizations, while a discussion was held on the campus.
Later, DU teachers and students and other political and socio-cultural organizations placed wreaths at the grave of the national poet in the morning.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy organized a two-day program marking the death anniversary of the national poet.
Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia village in Asansol subdivision of Burdwan district of West Bengal, India.
Following Bangladesh’s independence, Nazrul was brought to Dhaka with his family on May 24, 1972, with special permission from the government of India.
He was given the status of National Poet, provided with state accommodation in Dhanmondi, awarded an honorary D Litt by Dhaka University in 1974, and granted Bangladeshi citizenship in 1976. The same year, he was honoured with the Ekushey Padak.
Meanwhile, BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed on Thursday said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was an inspiration behind all major movements in Bangladesh from the country’s independence war to the 2024 mass uprising.
He made the remarks after paying tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam at the poet’s grave on the Dhaka University campus in the morning.
