The nation will observe the 42nd death anniversary of National Poet  Kazi Nazrul Islam today. 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’.

Different socio cultural and other organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the occasion, while televisions will air special programmes on his works and life.

The programmes will start with Qurankhwani after Fajr prayers at Dhaka University (DU) Central Mosque by different organizations while a discussion will also be held at the campus.   

Marking the death anniversary of the National Poet, Nazrul Institute has organised an elaborate programme featuring commemorative discussions, award giving ceremony and cultural event today. Attending the programme as chief guest, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu will hand over the ‘Nazrul Padak 2017’ conferred by Nazrul Institute.

Presided over by Nazrul Institute Trustee Board Chairman Professor Rafiqul Islam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Nasir Uddin Ahmed and Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Samad will be present as the special guests at the event.

The programme will be held at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum at 4:30pm. Nazrul Sangeet exponent Khairul Anam Shakil and researcher Professor Dr Rashidun Nabi will be honoured with the prestigious ‘Nazrul Padak 2017’ for their outstanding contributions to the respective fields.

In the cultural part, singer Yakub Ali Khan, Leena Taposhi Khan, Chhanda Chakrabarty and others will render Nazrul Sangeet while Laila Tarannum Kakoli will recite poems.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has also organised an elaborate programme to mark the day. The programme will begin in the morning by placing wreaths at the graveyard of the Rebel Poet today, while cultural event featuring discussion, dance, and music will be held today at the Sangeet and Dance auditorium of BSA.

Bangla Academy will organise a lecture session followed by a cultural show at its Poet Shamsur Rahman auditorium at 4 pm on August 30. Professor Vishmo Deb Chowdhury will deliver the key speech while National Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam will preside over the session.

Born on May 24 in 1899 at Churulia village in Asansol, India, Nazrul was buried with full state honours beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque.