Staff Reporter :The 40th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed across the country with due respect and solemnity. Different political parties and socio-cultural organisations observed the day with elaborate programmes including placing of wreaths at the mazar of the poet, discussions, rendering songs and poetry recitation sessions and staging of dramas from the creative literary works of the poet.The programmes started with the recital of the Quran after Fazr prayers at Dhaka University (DU)central mosque with participation of teachers, students, officers and employees. They brought a silent procession on the campus led by DU Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique from the base of Aparajeyo Bangla and ended at the Nazrul’s tomb. They also placed floral wreaths there. Special prayers were offered at the poet’s grave and a discussion was held there.Besides, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Nazrul Institute, Bangla Academy, Shishu Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Nazrul Academy, Bulbul Lalitakala Academy, Nazrul Shilpy Sangstha, Nazrul Abbritti Parishad, Dhaka City Awami League (AL), Awami Juba League, Chhatra League, Dhaka University Teachers Association, teachers and students of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University and hundreds of people from all walks of life paid their homage to the national poet on his 40th death anniversary.Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy arranged a discussion and cultural programme where Cultural Affairs Secretary Aktari Mamtaz was present as the chief guest.Bangla Academy organised a solo-lecture session followed by a cultural show in the Poet Shamsur Rahman auditorium at 4 pm.Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24 in 1899 at Churulia village in Asansol subdivision of Burdwan district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Nazrul, popularly known as Bidrohi Kabi (rebel poet), through his powerful poems had inspired the people to fight against all kinds of odds and injustice and repression during the colonial rule.Nazrul’s songs and poems were also a great source of inspiration for the freedom fighters during the country’s Liberation War in 1971.On August 27, 1976, the poet passed away in Dhaka at the age of 77 after suffering from a long ailment.
