PM opens three-day national programme at Darirampur

The nation yesterday paid rich tribute to the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, better known as the 'Rebel Poet', on his 104th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia inaugurated a three-day national programme at Darirampur of Trishal upazila in Mymensingh district, organised by the Cultural Affairs Ministry.

The prime minister said the multidimensional creative works of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam enhanced the dignity of Bangla language and literature, and contributed as a powerful source of inspiration during the War of Independence.

"Nazrul is the poet of our soul ... To show true respect to the national poet in independent and sovereign Bangladesh is to march forward towards prosperity with dignity," she said in her inaugural address.

After formally opening the three-day national programme, the prime minister also inaugurated a 'Nazrul Fair' on the Darirampur Nazrul Academy premises.

In the morning, the State Minister for Cultural Affairs Selima Rahman placed floral wreath at the mazar of the poet. Officials of different departments and institutions under the ministry also placed wreaths.

The mazar premises of the poet at the Dhaka University turned into a place of festivity and reverence when a cross-section of people belonging to several organisations assembled there to pay their tributes to the poet.

Teachers, students, officials and employees of the Dhaka University placed wreaths at the poet's mazar. Addressing a discussion at the mazar premises, vice-chancellor Prof SMA Fayez said it is everyone's responsibility to take proper initiatives to evaluate the life and contribution of poet Nazrul. "It is the best way to show respect to him," he said, adding, "We could also enrich our national heritage by carrying out research on his literary works."

Prof Mohammad Moniruzzaman of the university's Bangla department spoke on the life and works of the rebel poet. Artists of different cultural organisations participated in a musical soiree after the discussion.

In Mymensingh, a programme to celebrate Nazrul's birth anniversary was organised at Kazir Shimla Daroga Bari and Bachutia Bepari Bari at Nampara of Trishal, where poet Nazrul passed his childhood days.

Another programme was organised by Chhayanat at Public Library auditorium to mark the birth anniversary of the poet. Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sanskritik Sangstha, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Sur Monjuri, Nazrul Academy and Bangladesh Nazrul Sena also observed the day with elaborate programmes.

Leaders of Bangladesh Awami League placed floral wreaths at the mazar of the poet. AL Presidium member Abdur Razzak MP, Obaidul Kader, advocate Abdul Mannan Khan, Prof Nazma Rahman and Alamgir Kumkum were present.