Kazi Nazrul Islam's 50th death anniversary today

The 50th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is observing today (August 27) across the country, with his poetry, songs and ideals continuing to resonate in the country's cultural and social consciousness.

Nazrul died on 12 Bhadra 1383 of the Bengali calendar at the then PG Hospital in Dhaka, now Bangladesh Medical University. Five decades after his death, his works challenging injustice, exploitation and discrimination remain deeply relevant.

Born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia village in West Bengal's Bardhaman district, Nazrul grew up amid poverty but emerged as one of the most influential figures in Bengali literature and music. His prolific body of work includes poetry, songs, hamd, naat, ghazals, plays and Shyama Sangeet.

Although his active creative career lasted only about 23 years, Nazrul produced a vast collection of works that inspired social awakening and a desire for freedom from oppression and deprivation. His literary activism reflected both his artistic and revolutionary spirit.

After Bangladesh gained independence, Nazrul was brought to the country with his family from India on May 24, 1972, with the permission of the Indian government. He was accorded the status of National Poet and given a residence at Dhanmondi in Dhaka.

Dhaka University awarded him an honourary D.Litt degree in 1974, while the Bangladesh government granted him citizenship in 1976. He was also honoured with the Ekushey Padak that year.

To mark the anniversary, Dhaka University has organised a series of programmes. Teachers, students, officials and employees will march from the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla to Nazrul's grave, where they will lay floral wreaths and offer prayers. An seminar will also be held at the grave complex.