The 37th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed Tuesday across the country in a befitting manner.
Different sociocultural organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the death anniversary of the rebel poet. Bangladesh Beter, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private TV channels are airing special programmes highlighting the life and works of the national poet.
The day’s programme is set to begin with the placing of wreaths at the poet’s grave in the morning. Other programmes include Qurankhawani, offering Fateha, discussion meetings and cultural functions.
Dhaka University (DU) authorities also have chalked out an elaborate programme marking the day.
Bangla Academy, Nazrul Institute and Shiplakala Academy are set to observe the day in a befitting manner.
Kazi Nazrul Islam pioneered poetic works espousing intense spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. His poetry and nationalist activism earned him the popular title of “Bidrohī Kobi” (Rebel Poet).
Born into a Bengali Muslim Quazi (Kazi) family, Nazrul received religious education and worked as a muezzin at a local mosque. He learned poetry, drama, and literature while working with theatrical groups.
After serving in the British Indian Army, Nazrul established himself as a journalist in Calcutta. He assailed the British Raj in India and preached revolution through his poetic works, such as "Bidrohi" ("The Rebel") and "Bhangar Gaan" ("The Song of Destruction"), as well as his publication "Dhumketu" ("The Comet"). His impassioned activism in the Indian independence movement often led to his imprisonment by British authorities.
Nazrul's writings explore themes such as love, freedom, and revolution; he opposed all forms of bigotry, including those related to religion and gender.
Throughout his career, Nazrul wrote short stories, novels, and essays but he is best known for his poems, in which he pioneered new forms such as Bangla ghazals.
Nazrul wrote and composed music for his nearly 4,000 songs, collectively known as Nazrul geeti (Nazrul songs), which are widely popular.
In 1942, at the age of 43, he began suffering from an unknown disease, losing his voice and memory. It is often said the reason was slow poisoning by the British government, but a medical team in Vienna later diagnosed the disease as Morbus Pick, a rare incurable neurodegenerative disease.
It caused Nazrul's health to decline steadily and forced him to live in isolation for many years.
Invited by the government of Bangladesh, Nazrul and his family moved to Dhaka in 1972, where he died on August 27, 1976.
