"Nazrul is the shining guide in our great efforts to make democracy and independence meaningful for the people and establish a society free from corruption, hunger and deprivation," he said.

The chief adviser was addressing the inaugural function of the national-level celebration of the 108th birth anniversary of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at Osmani Memorial auditorium in the evening.

He said: "Nazrul had enormous contributions to awakening the nation, flourishing our national identity, creating the national spirit and building our own heritage and culture."

The chief adviser said Nazrul is not only the source of inspiration for this country and the subcontinent but also for the people across the world who are struggling to establish a just society.

He said no poet other than Nazrul ever became so courageous and dauntless in raising voice for awakening the women and establishing non-communalism, human rights and humanity.

Prof Rafiqul Islam delivered a commemorative Speech at the function chaired by Cultural Affairs Adviser Ayub Quadri and organised by the cultural affairs ministry.

The poet's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi and Cultural Affairs Secretary ABM Abdul Huq Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.

Advisers to the caretaker government, diplomats, high civil and military officials, educationists, cultural personalities, artistes and book publishers were present at the function.

The chief adviser said the aim of Nazrul was to build a welfare-oriented society by eliminating evil forces.

He said Nazrul's songs of breaking the shackles had awakened the people against colonial rule and exploitation.

The chief adviser said Nazrul had freed the Bangla language from a limited boundary by making it lucid, dynamic and modern.

In her speech, Khilkhil Kazi appealed to the government for taking steps to translate all the literary works of Nazrul into English and place a portrait of the national poet at the Jatiya Sangsad.

Later, a colorful cultural function based on Nazrul's poems and songs was held.

In the morning, thousands of people visited the grave of the poet on Dhaka University campus and paid homage to him.

Teachers, students and employees of Dhaka University, led by Vice-Chancellor SMA Faiz, placed wreath at the grave.

Different organisations, including Nazrul Academy, Nazrul Institute and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, celebrated day with various programmes.