DHAKA, Aug 27, 2018 (BSS) – The 42nd death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed in a befitting manner today.
The poet breathed his last at the then PG Hospital, now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital in the city, on 12 Bhadra of Bangla calendar year in 1383 (August 29, 1976).
In accordance with a wish, he had expressed in one of his poems, he was buried beside a mosque on the campus of Dhaka University.
Different political parties, socio-cultural and professional bodies drew up elaborate programmes to observe of the poet’s death anniversary.
The programmes of the day began with Qurankhwani after Fazr prayers at the Dhaka University (DU) Central Mosque adjacent to the grave of the national poet.
Later, teachers, students, officers and employees of the university assembled in front of ‘Aparajeyo Bangla’ sculpture from where a procession led by DU University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Samad proceeded towards the grave of the poet at 7.15 am.
They paid rich tributes to the poet by placing wreaths at his grave.
Besides, special prayers (fateha) were offered at the poet’s grave. A discussion was held with Prof Samad in the chair.
Nazrul researcher and National Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam, Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) President Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, Proctor Prof AKM Golam Rabbani, Music Department Chairperson Tumpa Samaddar and Associate Professor Dr Mohsina Akter Khanam (Leena Tapashi) were present on the occasion, among others.
Bangla Department Chairman Professor Bismadeb Chowdhury conducted the discussion.
Later, a cultural function was held where teachers and students of Music department performed different songs of Nazrul and poems were also recited.
Awami League leaders and workers also paid tributes to the poet by placing wreaths at the grave of Nazrul Islam. AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Presidium Member Advocate Sahara Khatun, Joint General Secretaries Dr Dipu Moni and Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak were present on the occasion, among others.
Besides, Cultural Affairs Ministry, Bangla Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Awami League associate bodies including Awami Mahila League, Swechchhasebak League and Chhatra League, Jatiya Kabita Parishad, Department of Public Libraries, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi, Nazrul Institute and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote also placed wreaths.
Shilpakala Academy arranged a discussion and musical function at its Chitrashala auditorium marking the anniversary of the national poet.
Nazrul was a poet, lyricist, musician, revolutionary and philosopher. The nation got inspirations from Nazrul’s poems and songs during the great Liberation War and all democratic movements and struggles.
Nazrul wrote nearly 3,000 songs and composed many of them which are known as Nazrul-Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet.
After the independence of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought poet Nazrul Islam to Dhaka from Kolkata along with his family and made arrangements for living with state honour.
Bangabandhu also provided a residence for the family of the poet in the city’s Dhanmondi.
In January 1976, he was accorded the citizenship of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, and other private television channels and radio stations aired special programmes while the national dailies will publish special supplements marking the day.