The nation observed the 41st death anniversary of National Poet  Kazi Nazrul Islam on Sunday. Born into a Bengali Muslim Kazi family, he produced a large body of poetry and music with themes that included religious devotion and spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. His activism for political and social justice earned him the title of the ‘Rebel Poet’.

Marking the death anniversary of the National Poet, Nazrul Institute also organised an elaborate programme featuring commemorative discussions, award giving ceremony and cultural event on that day at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum in the capital.

This year, Nazrul Sangeet exponents Fatema Tuz Zohra, Ferdous Ara and  Leena Taposhi Khan have been awarded with the prestigious ‘Nazrul Award 2016’ for their outstanding contributions to the respective fields.

Attending the programme as chief guest, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor handed over the ‘Nazrul Padak’, conferred by Nazrul Institute, to the three eminent singers of the country.

Presided over by Nazrul Institute Trustee Board Chairman Professor Rafiqul Islam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Ibrahim Hossain and IFIC Bank Managing Director Shah Alam Sarwar were present as special guests at the event. Among others, Kazi Nazrul Islam’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi was also present at the programme.

In the cultural part, singer Mohidul Islam, Bodrunnesa Dalia, Sharmin Sathi Islam and others rendered Nazrul Sangeet while Jayanta Chattopadhyay recited poems.