Bangladesh is observing the 50th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Thursday, paying tribute to the revolutionary poet whose writings championed equality, humanity and resistance against oppression.
Nazrul died on August 29, 1976 — 12 Bhadra, 1383 in the Bangla calendar — at the then PG Hospital in Dhaka, now Bangladesh Medical University. His death anniversary is observed in Bangladesh according to the Bangla calendar, with 12 Bhadra falling on August 27 this year.
Dhaka University, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Kabi Nazrul Institute and different political, social and cultural organisations have taken programmes to mark the anniversary.
Dhaka University’s programme includes Quran recitation at its central mosque after Fajr prayers, followed by a procession and the placing of wreaths at the poet’s grave beside the university mosque.
Teachers, students, officials and employees are scheduled to join the procession from the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla. A discussion will also be held at an open stage near the poet’s grave, with Nazrul Research Centre Director Professor Tariq Manzur delivering a commemorative lecture.
The Kabi Nazrul Institute has organised a discussion titled “Mrityunjayi Nazrul”, along with a doa mahfil and Hamd-Naat performances at its auditorium in Dhanmondi. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula is scheduled to attend as chief guest, while Nazrul’s granddaughter and chairperson of the institute’s board of trustees, Khilkhil Kazi, will attend as special guest.
Born on 11 Jaistha, 1306, in Churulia village of what is now West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district, Nazrul emerged as one of the most powerful voices in Bengali literature against colonial rule, communalism, inequality and injustice.
Known as the “Rebel Poet”, his works, including Bidrohi, Bhangar Gaan and the publication Dhumketu, became enduring symbols of resistance. His political writings and activism against British colonial rule also led to his imprisonment.
Nazrul also made an extraordinary contribution to Bengali music, writing and composing thousands of songs that came to be known as Nazrul Sangeet.
After Bangladesh’s independence, Nazrul was brought to Dhaka from Kolkata with his family on May 24, 1972. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1976 and, after his death later that year, was buried with state honours beside the Dhaka University central mosque.
This year’s anniversary carries added significance as the government has declared the period from May 25, 2026 to May 25, 2027 as “Nazrul Year” to commemorate the poet’s 127th birth anniversary and promote his ideals and works across the country.
FP/A
