The 35th anniversary of the death of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed on Saturday in keeping with the Bangla calendar.
The revolutionary poet and lyricist died at the age of 77 on Bhadra 12, 1383, which fell on August 27, 1976.
Nazrul, born on May 25, 1899 at Churulia in Bardwan of West Bengal, was invited to the post-partition Bangladesh as the national poet. His work, which also includes about 3,000 songs, transcends sectarian boundaries.
He is often referred to as the rebel poet because of his most famous poem Bidrohi or the Rebel, and his strong sympathy and support for revolutionary activities leading to India's independence from the British rule. His songs and poems were frequently used during the independence war of Bangladesh as well.
Nazrul was also a writer, musician, journalist and philosopher. He was
sent to jail for his literary works against the then British rule. He had suffered from dementia and aphasia since 1942 till
his death.
In recognition of his contribution to the Bangla literature and culture, Dhaka University conferred on the poet the honorary Doctor of Literature degree at a special convocation in 1974. In January 1976, the Bangladesh government granted him citizenship of Bangladesh and awarded him Ekushey Padak.
Several government and non-government organisations and Nazrul enthusiasts marked the occasion with cultural programmes across the country.
Cultural organisations, educational institutions and others paid tribute to the poet by placing flowers on his grave by the Dhaka University mosque in the morning. The day started off with Nazrul's family placing flowers on the grave.
The Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy and Nazrul Institute, Nazrul Academy, Nazrul Abritti Parishad, Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha, Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, Udichi
Shilpi Goshthi, Satyen Sen Shilpi Goshthi and
Banga held separate programmes.
Different agencies and organisations such as the cultural affairs ministry, Dhaka University, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Nazrul Academy and Nazrul Institute paid respect by placing flowers on the poet's grave.
The University of Dhaka organised a discussion at its Nazrul Complex on the occasion.
The Nazrul Institute held a discussion in its office at 11:00am, which was followed by a cultural programme. Rafiqul Islam, the chairman of the institute trust, presided over the programme.
Ruling Awami League leaders placed wreaths on the poet's grave. The Bangla Academy held a discussion in its seminar room on August 25.
Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Radio and private television channels aired programmes portraying the rebel poet's life and works.
Source : New Age
