Barishal: National poet Kazi Nazrul Islam visited Barishal during the Durga Puja celebration in 1920 at the invitation of Yusuf Ali, a nephew of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq. During his brief two-day stay, Nazrul was captivated by the city’s resemblance to Venice, Italy, with its network of canals, and the significant presence of Christian missionary activities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nazrul’s journalistic journey commenced with contributions to Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq’s magazine ‘Nabajug’, highlighting a close relationship between the two figures. Sher-e-Bangla not only accompanied Nazrul on several occasions, including visits to Sylhet and Kolkata, but also supported him during his treatment. Nazrul regarded Fazlul Huq as Bengal’s Saad Zaghloul Pasha, reflecting their shared vision for an independent and united Bengal.
Begum Faizun Nahar Shelly, a Nazrul researcher from Barishal, emphasized Sher-e-Bangla’s substantial role in shaping Nazrul’s literary career. She pointed out the mutual respect and dependence between the two, as they both championed people-oriented and non-communal ideals. Shelly also mentioned that the quarterly Bangiya Muslim Sahitya Patrika published Nazrul’s first poem ‘Mukti’, originally titled ‘Khama’, in its Shravan issue in 1919, thanks to poet Mozammel Haque, a native of Bhola and founding editor of the Patrika.
In addition, Nazrul’s book ‘Puber Hawa’ was published by Haque’s family institution, Oriental Printers and Publishers Limited. Azad Alauddin, a local journalist and writer on Nazrul, expressed regret over the absence of a dedicated memorial for Nazrul in Barishal. He urged the government to make Nazrul’s works accessible in educational institutions during the declared Nazrul Year from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, and proposed the construction of a monument in the poet’s honor.
Nazrul celebrated Barishal’s beauty in his novel ‘Mrityukhuda’, terming it the Venice of Bengal. During his stay, he composed several songs, which were published with notations in various newspapers. Barishal was frequently mentioned in his works, including the Geeti Shatadal’s ‘Palli Nritye’. His second novel ‘Mrityukkhuda’, based on memories of Barishal, was published in serialized form in the magazine ‘Sawgat’ before its book release.
The poet’s connection to Barishal extended beyond literary works. He had close ties with the nephews of AK Fazlul Huq, Wazir Ali and Yusuf Ali, which led to his visit. During this time, he created songs like ‘Durer Bandhu’, ‘Asha’, and ‘Marami’, and a poem ‘Pather Smriti’. In his poem ‘Ashwinikumar’, written in 1925, and in his novel ‘Mrityukshuda’, Nazrul referred to Barishal as ‘the Venice of Bengal’.
Nazrul also engaged in political activities, contesting the Central Legislative Assembly elections in 1926 as a candidate of the Swarajya Dal from the Dhaka Division, which included Barishal. His campaign visits to Barishal are commemorated by the ‘Nazrul Pathagaar and Club’, preserving the memories of his impactful visit.