The 36th anniversary of the death of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be observed today in keeping with the date in the Bangla calendar.
Nazrul, also a 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 works, which also include 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 inspired people during the independence war of Bangladesh as well.
Nazrul was also writer, musician, journalist and philosopher. He was sent to jail for his literary works against the 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 awarded the poet the honorary doctor of literature 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 will mark the occasion with cultural programmes.
Cultural organisations, educational institutions and others will pay tribute to the poet by placing flowers on this grave by the central mosque in Dhaka University in the morning.
The University of Dhaka has chalked up an elaborate programme to the day. The programme includes recitation from the Qur’an at the university’s central mosque after the fajr prayers. Teachers, students and officials of the university will also bring out a procession from Aparajeya Bangla and march towards the poet’s grave to place wreaths and say prayers.
The Nazrul Academy will hold a two-day Nazrul Festival on its compound and celebrate 80 years of the release of the famous Eid-time song ‘O Man Ramjaner Oi Rojar Sheshe.’ Senior Nazrul singers will sing the song along with people in front of the National Press Club at 11:30am.
The Bangla Academy will hold a memorial lecture and a soiree.
The state-owned Bangladesh Beter and Bangladesh Television and private television channels will air special programmes today highlighting the life and works of the national poet.
The ruling Awami League will place wreaths at the poet’s grave at 9:00am.
The Nazrul Institute, the Shiplakala Academy and other organisations will also observe the day. Chhayanat will organise a soiree on September 8 as part of the observance of the day.
-With New Age input
