Dhaka: The government has announced an extensive series of events to commemorate the 126th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The celebrations will align with the theme ‘The Mass Uprising of 2024: The Legacy of Kazi Nazrul’.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the cultural affairs adviser and the secretary of the ministry will honor the poet by placing floral wreaths on his grave in the capital on May 25. The main three-day event will take place in Daulatpur, Cumilla, featuring a keynote address by Professor Salimullah Khan.
The anniversary will also be celebrated across Dhaka, Thrishal in Mymensingh, Teota in Manikganj, and Karpashdanga in Chuadanga, among other locations nationwide. Chattogram will host Nazrul Mela, discussions, and cultural functions.
A press release from the Najrul Janmabarshiki Udjapan Jatiya Committee announced these plans. Across Dhaka and other districts, road islands will display photographs, poems, profiles, and paintings of the national poet. Local committees, aided by Nazrul researchers or cultural personalities, will ensure celebrations are conducted with appropriate respect in other districts.
Various departments under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will hold discussions, and Bangladesh Shishu Academy has planned special activities for children. Internationally, Bangladesh embassies will celebrate the day with cultural programs, discussions, and competitions in writing and recitation. Educational institutions, including Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, will participate in these events.
The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute will host an exhibition of his pictures, posters, and books, while the Public Library Department will organize a book exhibition, reading competition, and essay contest to engage the younger generation with the poet’s work. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will produce 600 souvenirs and 20,000 posters to mark the occasion.