The people of Bangladesh is celebrating the 115th Birth Anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Different socio-cultural and political organizations have taken up programmes to celebrate the day. The events include placing of wreaths, offering of Fateha at the Mazar, seminar, symposia and discussion meetings on the life and works of the poet.
Newspapers have brought out supplements, features and articles while television channels and radio stations are airing special programmes portraying the great poet’s life and works.In the morning, members of the poet’s family placed wreathe at his grave at Dhaka University. They were followed by leaders of socio-cultural organizations and political parties.
Born on May 24, 1899 in Churulia village in the Indian state of West Bengal, he spent most of his life in Kolkata.
Nazrul’s poem ‘Bidrohi’ was published in 1922 which was an inspiration to the Bangalees during the anti-British movements. He later came to be known as ‘Bidrohi Kobi’ (Rebel Poet).
In 1942, at the age of 43 he began suffering from an unknown disease, for which he lost his voice and memory. It is often said the reason was slow poisoning by the then British government.
After independence of Bangladesh, Nazrul was brought to Dhaka. He was awarded citizenship and declared the National Poet of Bangladesh.
The Dhaka University conferred the honorary D Litt on him on Dec 9, 1974 for his lifetime contribution to enriching Bengali literature. The government in 1976 awarded him Ekushey Padak, the highest civilian award.
Nazrul was laid to rest beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque after his death on Aug 29, 1976 at the age of 77. – GreenWatch Desk
