"Shob Kota Janala Khule Dao Na" and "Ekti Bangladesh Tumi Jagroto Jonotar", these two timeless songs alone are enough to cement the late Nazrul Islam Babu in the annals of Bangladeshi history.

The eminent lyricist and Freedom Fighter, after 32 years of his passing, has finally been named in this year's Ekushey Padak list, for his significant contribution to our music.

For years, cultural activists have lobbied for a national honour for the lyricist. He has been represented in numerous articles, memorandums and speeches throughout the years. As all hope slowly started to dwindle, the recognition brought forth gratitude from the cultural arena in the country.

Montazur Rahman Akbar, Nazrul Islam Babu, Andrew Kishore and Sheikh Sadi Khan.

Nazrul Islam Babu was born in July 17, 1949 in Jamalpur. His father, Bazlul Kader, was a school-teacher and a music lover, by whom Babu was greatly inspired by.

In 1971, a 21-year-old Nazrul Islam Babu took up arms for the country. The brutality of the Liberation War, as attested by him, turned him into a poet.

He earned his BSc from Govt Ashek Mahmud College in 1973, and in the same year, he was enlisted as a lyricist at BTV, when he was arguably in his prime.

The eminent lyricist tied the knot with Shahin Akter on November 23, 1984. Together, they had two daughters -- Nazia and Nafia. Even though Nazrul Islam Babu is no more, the family still hosts a small programme on his birthday, every year.

Nazrul Islam Babu with Sabina Yasmin.

Some of his remarkable works include—"Amar Genthe Dao Na Maago", "Dui Bhuboner Bashinda", "Prithibite Prem Bole Kichhu Nei", Dakey Pakhi Kholo Aankhi", "Kal Shararaat Chhilo Shopner Raat", "Koto Je Beshechhi Tomake Bhalo", and "Amar Moner Akashe Aaj Jole Shukh Tara", among many others.

On September 14, 1990, the artiste left us for good. Nazrul Islam Babu was honoured with the National Film Award posthumously, as the best lyricist for the songs in the film "Padma Meghna Jamuna". The film, directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam, was released in 1991.

With his wife, Shaheen Akhter.