Barishal: The 49th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be observed here in a befitting manner through various programmes. Barisal District Shilpakala Academy, Barisal University, and several organizations have planned discussions and cultural functions to mark the day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the British rule, Barishal was a culturally rich region where Nazrul’s rebellious poems and songs resonated among revolutionary and literary circles. Many writers, organizers, and teachers in Barishal practiced Nazrul’s works, which significantly inspired the anti-British movement.
Historical accounts indicate that the poet visited Barishal in October 1920. His visit was not just to witness the natural beauty but also for political and journalistic purposes, invited by Yusuf Ali, the nephew of Haque Saheb, alongside Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, a prominent figure from Barishal. During his stay, he resided at the house of a Christian woman, and Barishal played a significant role in his novel ‘Mrityukhudha’ (The Hunger of Death).
In ‘Mrityukhudha’, Nazrul portrayed a realistic depiction of how hunger drives people towards death, impacting their beliefs and mentality. Although he stayed in Barishal for only two days, the canals surrounding the city, likened to Venice, and the Christian missionary activities left a lasting impression on him.
Kazi Nazrul Islam referred to Barishal as the ‘Venice of Bengal’ in ‘Mrityukhudha’. He also highlighted the brick-paved roads and the riverside trees along the Kirtankhola River, which flows near the city, in his narrative.
In this context, Unmesh Roy, Assistant Professor (Head) of the Department of Bengali at Barishal University, told BSS that Kazi Nazrul Islam’s contribution to shaping the identity of Bengalis as a distinct ethnic entity is significant. Roy emphasized that Nazrul’s poetry, songs, and literature have inspired movements from the anti-British struggle to the independence movement in 1971 and the mass uprising of 2024.
Unmesh Roy added that Kazi Nazrul Islam envisioned a new society based on equality for all Bengalis, regardless of religion, aiming to end the deprivation of oppressed people.