National poet`s 127th birth anniversary celebrated with respect

The 127th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam—who remains a timeless symbol of inspiration in Bengali literature, music, and the spirit of equality—is being celebrated across the country today, Sunday (May 24).

To honor the poet of rebellion, humanity, and non-communalism, a wide array of seminars, cultural programs, poetry recitations, musical performances, and memorial discussions have been organized from the capital Dhaka to various districts, including Mymensingh's Trishal, Cumilla, and Chattogram.

Centering this year's anniversary, the government has undertaken multiple initiatives, and the Prime Minister has officially declared the upcoming year as 'Nazrul Year'.

Read More: Next one year declared as `Nazrul Year`

Central and Capital Celebrations
The main national-level event is taking place in Trishal, Mymensingh, at the premises of the Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University and the Nazrul Academy—places deeply intertwined with the poet's memory. The venues are hosting day-long cultural events, discussions, and Nazrul Sangeet (Nazrul songs) performances. Prime Minister Tariq Rahman inaugurated the opening ceremony there on Saturday (May 23) evening, where he officially proclaimed the year-long 'Nazrul Year' celebration.

Meanwhile, in Dhaka, several apex cultural institutions are marking the day:

Bangla Academy: Organizing specialized seminars, conferring the prestigious Nazrul Award, and hosting literary and cultural discussions alongside musical presentations.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy: Concluding its three-day special festival titled "Droher Kobi, Praner Kobi" (Poet of Rebellion, Poet of the Soul). Renowned artists from across the country are performing Nazrul songs, recitations, and dance dramas at the National Theatre Hall auditorium.

Nazrul Institute: Holding discussion meetings, paying floral tributes at the poet’s portrait, and organizing cultural showcases in the capital.

Countrywide Observances
Educational institutions, social clubs, and cultural organizations nationwide are conducting individual programs to honor the day.

In the Teota area of Manikganj's Shibalaya Upazila, where the memories of the poet's wife, Promila Nazrul, are preserved, the district administration has designed a special lineup of commemorative events. Furthermore, public libraries and cultural centers in various districts, including Cox's Bazar, are hosting book-reading sessions, essay competitions, book exhibitions, and youth-centric cultural activities.

Legacy of the Rebel Poet
Born on May 24, 1899, in the village of Churulia in the Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India, Kazi Nazrul Islam revolutionized Bengali literature and music. Beyond his immense creative contributions, his profound messages of egalitarianism, secularism, humanism, and rebellion against oppression remain deeply etched in the collective consciousness of the Bengali nation.