Chattogram:Southern University organized a cultural competition and seminar to commemorate the centenary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's first visit to Chattogram. The event took place at the university's auditorium in the Bayezid area of the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Dr. Mohammad Farid Uddin Faruque, Director of the Chittagong University Nazrul Research Centre, presented a keynote paper titled "Centenary of Nazrul's Arrival in Chattogram An Unforgettable Chapter of Creativity." Dr. Farid Uddin Faruque highlighted that it has been 100 years since Kazi Nazrul Islam's inaugural visit to Chattogram in 1926.
During his keynote, Dr. Farid Uddin Faruque noted that the poet visited Chattogram three times—1926, 1929, and 1932—for both political and literary purposes. The natural beauty of Chattogram, with its sea and hills, greatly inspired him. During his stays, Kazi Nazrul Islam composed several well-known poems for his collections 'Sindhu-Hindol' and 'Chakrabak,' along with memorable songs such as 'Batayan Pashe Gubak Tarur Sari,' 'Sindhu,' 'Sampaner Gan,' and 'Ore Majhi Bhai.'
The poet's experiences in Chattogram, Noakhali, and Sandwip created an enduring and cherished chapter in Bengali literature. Acting Vice-Chancellor of Southern University, Prof Dr. Sharif Ashrafuzzaman, attended the event as the chief guest, while Saifullah Chowdhury, Member Secretary of the University's Co-and Extra-Curricular Committee, moderated the program.
The chief guest praised Kazi Nazrul Islam as a unique genius in Bengali literature, emphasizing that his works extend beyond literature and culture, inspiring people to stand against injustice and uphold human values. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes among students who won in various categories of the cultural competition, including Nazrul Geeti, recitation, solo acting, dance, and open speech.