The 125th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being celebrated across the country today (May 25) in a befitting manner.

A poet, novelist, lyricist, composer, playwright and journalist, Nazrul, is one of the most celebrated cultural icons of the nation.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the National Poet, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, paying rich tributes to the polymath.

Like other years, the government and different cultural and socio-political organisations will arrange numerous programmes on the day to remember Kazi Nazrul Islam and celebrate his creations.

Dhaka University Vice-chancellor Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal, delegation of different political parties, family members of the poet, activists of different social and cultural organisations and people from all walks of life will place wreaths on the grave of the poet in DU campus.

Dhaka University (DU), Bangla Academy, Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh Jatiya Jadughar, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Chhayanaut and many other organisations will arrange a series of programmes marking the day.

Bangladesh Television and other private television channels and Bangladesh Betar and FM radio stations will telecast and air special programmes to mark the occasion. Newspapers will publish special contents, highlighting the life and works of the national poet.

He was born on 25 May, 1899 at Churulia village in Burdwan (Bardhaman) district of West Bengal in undivided India.

Nazrul’s literary practice got a formal shape at that time. His first poem Mukti, first novella “Baunduler Atmakahini”, novel “Badhon Hara” and a number of other writings were published in that period.

From 1920, he concentrated on creating his literary masterpieces. Many of his famous poems, including Bidrohi, appeared during the period.

In his short artistic career of just 20 years, he penned at least 3,174 songs, 600 poems, three novels and 43 essays. After the country’s independence in 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Nazrul the National Poet and brought the ailing poet with due honour to Bangladesh. Nazrul died in Dhaka on 29 August in 1976.

BDST: 1145 HRS, MAY 25, 2024
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