The 35th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed across the country yesterday in a befitting manner.
Popularly called rebel poet, Nazrul died on Bhadro 12 of Bangla calendar (August 29, 1976) at the age of 77.
Various socio-cultural and political organisations organised elaborate programmes to honour and recall the memories of the “Bidrohi Kobi”, who enriched Bangla literature with his fiery, passionate poems.
The day’s programmes began with placing wreaths by the family and relatives of the poet at his mazar in the morning. They also offered prayers at the mazar.
Later, students, teachers and employees of Dhaka University led by Vice-chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, placed wreaths and offered Fateha at the mazar.
A memorial meeting was also held at the mazar with Arefin Siddique in the chair.
Nazrul Pramila Parishad organised a discussion at the corner of the mazar where they demanded building a women’s complex at the poet’s father-in-law’s village in Manikganj.
Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Nazrul Institute, Nazrul Pramila Parishad, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Kabi Nazrul University and individuals placed wreaths at the grave of the poet.
The daylong programmes also included milad mahfil, memorial meeting, cultural programme and discussion on his life and works.
Nazrul had inspired people to raise their voice against tyranny and injustice during the British rule. He made the British feel so insecure that they imprisoned him several times.
His poems and songs were passionate enough to instil patriotism and craving for independence in the hearts of the freedom-fighters during the liberation war in 1971.
UNB adds: President Zillur Rahman yesterday said the thoughts and ideals of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh, always arouse patriotism among the country’s young generation.
On the 35th death anniversary of the national poet, the president in a message conveyed his deep respect for the poet. “The Poet (Nazrul) is an eternal source of our inspiration,” he said.
President Zillur said the poet had always cried out for freedom being active and dynamic against all sorts of injustice, oppression and exploitations.
He said poet Nazrul’s creations “greatly inspired the people during the country’s liberation war.”