Dhaka:Cabin 117 at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), a poignant symbol of Bengali literature, is undergoing renovations. This cabin is historically significant as it is where the national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, spent his final days. The cabin, located in B Block, held the ailing poet for one year, one month, and seven days, starting from July 22, 1975, until his passing on August 29, 1976.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the cabin has been closed to visitors while modernization efforts are underway. Prasanta Majumdar, the public relations officer at BMU, stated that the 'Nazrul Room' is typically open daily from 8 a.m. to 230 p.m., excluding public holidays, but is currently inaccessible due to the renovation work. The room is expected to reopen once the renovations are completed.
Nazrul, known for his rebellious poetry and songs advocating equality and humanity, was brought to Dhaka in 1972 as Bangladesh's national poet. Despite losing his voice to illness, his literary and musical contributions remain influential. Over the years, Cabin 117 has been a site of historical neglect and occasional restoration, with recent efforts to preserve it in honor of Nazrul Year. The cabin's renovation aims to maintain the memory of Nazrul’s final days and his enduring legacy for future generations.