50th Death Anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Observed Today

50th death anniversary of Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed today. The poet, celebrated for his writings on equality, humanity and rebellion, passed away in Dhaka on 12 Bhadra 1383 in the Bengali calendar. Five decades after his death, his poems and songs remain deeply relevant to the Bengali consciousness, particularly in the struggle against injustice, exploitation and discrimination.

Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia village of Bardhaman district in present-day West Bengal. He grew up amid severe poverty but went on to become one of the most influential figures in Bengali literature and culture.

Nazrul contributed to various forms of literature and music, including poetry, songs, ghazals, hamd, naat, drama and Shyama Sangeet. His creative career spanned only around 23 years, yet during this relatively short period he produced numerous works that inspired people to resist oppression and seek freedom and equality.

Following Bangladesh’s independence, Nazrul was brought to Bangladesh with his family on May 24, 1972, with permission from the Indian government. He was later accorded the status of National Poet. Dhaka University awarded him an honorary D.Litt degree in 1974, while the Bangladesh government granted him citizenship in 1976. He was also awarded the Ekushey Padak that year.

Dhaka University has arranged various programmes to mark the poet’s 50th death anniversary. Teachers, students, officers and employees of the university are scheduled to join a procession from the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla to Nazrul’s grave. Floral tributes and Fateha will be offered there, followed by a discussion programme at the grave premises.