Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has declared that Kazi Nazrul Islam is an unforgettable name in the national history, noting that his emergence during a dark period for a subjugated and oppressed nation was akin to a beacon of light. His advent was like a guiding lighthouse for a nation that desperately needed a talent to awaken, inspire, and empower it toward self-reliance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the premier expressed these sentiments in a message on the eve of the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, which is set to be celebrated tomorrow. Tarique Rahman paid rich tribute to the poet’s ever-glorious memory, remembered him with endless gratitude, and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul.
The prime minister described Kazi Nazrul Islam’s life as a declaration of war against various societal ills, including colonial rule, oppression, inequality, and discrimination. He highlighted that no one else has crafted words as powerful as Nazrul’s for humanity, freedom, and an exploitation-free society. Nazrul was the first to demand complete independence of the subcontinent from colonial rule, showcasing his compassion and commitment to humanity, regardless of nation or religion.
Tarique Rahman emphasized that Nazrul’s writings brought alive the nation’s literature, culture, history, and heritage. He remains a timeless and universal source of inspiration in the fight against injustice and oppression. The prime minister noted that during the Liberation War and the July mass uprising, Nazrul’s poems and songs served as a powerful source of inspiration. His creative works became the language of protest and resistance in all movements and struggles.
Nazrul’s contribution to the nation’s self-confidence and the foundation of national literature and culture was also praised by the premier. Tarique Rahman described Nazrul as the standard-bearer of the national renaissance and a spiritual companion to the poor, deprived, and oppressed worldwide. The prime minister asserted that Bangladesh and Kazi Nazrul Islam are inseparable entities and that Nazrul is an eminent figure in the global assembly of poets.
Tarique Rahman concluded by urging the nation to pledge to erase the shame of injustice, hunger, poverty, and division, to place Bangladesh above all else, and to dedicate themselves to building a happy, prosperous, and democratic motherland.