Nazrul's emergence was like a beacon of light for a subjugated nation: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has paid tribute to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on his 127th birth anniversary, stating that the poet's emergence on the fateful sky of a dependent and subjugated nation was like a beacon of light.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, May 24, the prime minister expressed deep respect and love for the memory of the poet.

"Kazi Nazrul Islam is an unforgettable name in our national history. His emergence on the fateful sky of a dependent, oppressed and subjugated nation was like a beacon of light, like a guiding lighthouse," PM Tarique Rahman wrote.

He said the poet's entire life was a declaration of war, a unique rebellion against colonial rule, subjugation, tyranny, oppression, exploitation, inequality, discrimination, superstition, religious bigotry and communalism — against all injustice, oppression and ugliness.

No one has composed more artistically successful words for humanity, freedom, an exploitation-free society and women's liberation, the prime minister said. Nazrul was the first poet, journalist and politician in the subcontinent to demand full independence from colonial subjugation.

Referring to Nazrul as a leading guide in loving the motherland, PM Tarique Rahman said his writings have enlivened Bengali life, hopes, aspirations, dreams, struggles, literature, culture, history and tradition.

"His poetry and songs were a powerful source of inspiration during our Liberation War and the July mass uprising. His creativity became the primary language of protest and resistance in all our movements and struggles. He is an inevitable part of our daily lives," the prime minister wrote.

"With just two decades of dedication, he made the nation self-confident. He built the foundation of national literature and culture. He is truly the standard-bearer of the national renaissance."

The prime minister concluded by saying that on the birth anniversary of the national poet, we should dedicate ourselves to erasing the shame of injustice, oppression, hunger, poverty and division, and to building a happy, prosperous democratic motherland.