The Kabi Nazrul Institute has announced plans to establish Bidrohi Chattar at Dhanmondi Lake. This initiative aims to inspire the new generation with the rebellious spirit of Kazi Nazrul Islam and the ethos of the 1924 mass uprising.
While the tender process for the project has already been completed, administrative complications have delayed the start of construction. Officials from the Kabi Nazrul Institute stated that the work would begin as soon as these issues are resolved.
Latiful Islam Shibli, Executive Director of the Kabi Nazrul Institute, shared with Bangla Tribune: “Bidrohi Chattar will be constructed on approximately 1 acre of land at Dhanmondi Lake. We have finalized the design and held meetings with advisors from three ministries. All parties have agreed to begin the construction very soon.”
When asked about the exact start date, he explained: “There are some administrative hurdles. The city corporation claims ownership of the land, while the Public Works Department also asserts their rights. Once this land dispute is resolved, construction will start immediately. The tender process has already been completed.”
Location and public curiosity
The location of Bidrohi Chattar and its potential impact on existing landmarks like Rabindra Sarobar have sparked curiosity among locals. Dhanmondi resident Rahat Shikdar told Bangla Tribune: “Earlier, the city corporation had proposed a Nazrul Sarobar modeled after Rabindra Sarobar, but it was never executed. It’s unclear to us where this new square will be situated.”
Responding to concerns about any overlap with Rabindra Sarobar, Shibli clarified, “Rabindra Sarobar will remain untouched. Bidrohi Chattar will be built on the western side of the lake, across from the Abahani field.”
He further noted: “This Bidrohi Chattar at Dhanmondi Lake will serve as a constant reminder to the youth of our nation that from British colonialism to other forms of imperialism, we have always resisted oppression.”
Excitement among the youth
The project has generated enthusiasm, particularly among students. Mahbub, a Bangla literature student at Dhaka University, remarked, “Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem Bidrohi has always encouraged the younger generation to stand against injustice. It played a pivotal role in energizing the 1924 student uprising.”
He added: “Nazrul has often been neglected in this country, and the Kazi Nazrul Institute has rarely undertaken significant initiatives. Such efforts should have started much earlier. I hope Bidrohi Chattar is constructed soon, and I urge the institute to spread Nazrul’s legacy nationwide while creating opportunities for extensive research on his works.”
Mujahid Billah, another Bangla literature student from Jagannath University, echoed these sentiments: “Nazrul introduced equality and rebellion in our literature. His works taught Bengalis not only about love but also about resistance. His poetry and songs have always inspired movements against injustice.”
He added: “It’s regrettable that even after decades of independence, we have not given Nazrul the recognition he deserves. The initiative to construct Bidrohi Chattar is commendable, and I hope it is implemented swiftly.”
Implementation plans
The design for Bidrohi Chattar was created by Professor Rafiq Azam. The city corporation will oversee its implementation under the supervision of the Kabi Nazrul Institute. The square is set to be constructed near Roads 13/A and 8/A in the Dhanmondi residential area, on the western side of the lake.
The youth eagerly await the resolution of administrative issues so that Bidrohi Chattar can become a symbol of inspiration and resistance for generations to come.
