Dhaka Bureau: State Minister for Culture Nahid Izahar Khan said that national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was unique in his non-communal spirit. When the poison of war, hate, and communism pollutes people’s lives around the world, the need for a national poet in our lives becomes clear.
The state minister said this in the presidential address on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of national poet Nazrul Islam at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Necha Mujib Auditorium of the National Museum at Shahbagh in the capital on May 25. Deputy Leader of the Parliament of Bangladesh, Matia Chowdhury MP, was the chief guest on the occasion.
In the speech of the chief guest, Parliament Deputy Leader Matia Chowdhury MP said that national poet Nazrul Islam’s fiery poem Ogan was a source of eternal inspiration in our great liberation war. He dreamed of a justice-based, enlightened society free from injustice and exploitation. He invigorated the Bengali nation with his creations, life-work, and enthusiasm.
Recalling the contribution of the Father of the Nation, the State Minister said that on May 24, 1972, the poet was brought to independent Bangladesh by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and granted statehood and citizenship. Bangabandhu, throughout his life, took the side of the exploited, as we see in the poet’s ideals of life.
Khilkhil Kazi, a member of the poet’s family, Culture Secretary Khalil Ahmad, Mofidul Haque, Trustee of the Bangladesh Liberation War Museum, and Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum, Md. Kamruzzaman, among others, spoke on the occasion. Also, dignitaries of various levels, including senior officials of departments and organizations under the Ministry of Culture, were present at the event.
