127th Birth Anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam

The 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed across the country today with extensive state programs. For the first time in nearly two decades, the central national-level celebrations have returned to Trishal, Mymensingh, reviving memories of the Rebel Poet's formative childhood years.

To honor the polymath's massive cultural legacy, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman officially inaugurated a three-day national program titled "Tobu Amare Debo Na Bhulite" at the local Nazrul Mancha this afternoon. During his address, the Prime Minister formally declared the upcoming year, from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, as "Nazrul Year."

Addressing the inaugural function, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized that the life and philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam remain deeply relevant to establishing a safe, humane state and a just society. He underscored the need to pass Nazrul's profound sense of nationalism and cultural consciousness down through generations.

The premier urged the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism to conduct feasibility studies toward officially designating Trishal as a "Nazrul City." Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the grand function, which was attended by cabinet members, lawmakers, and prominent scholars.

For the residents of Trishal, this national celebration is deeply sentimental, honoring the boy who arrived from West Bengal in 1914. Sheltered by police officer Kazi Rafizullah, young Nazrul studied at Darirampur High School—now Nazrul Academy—and famously played his flute under local banyan trees.

To permanently preserve this historic chapter, the government previously established the Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in the area. However, local researchers and visitors noted that the existing Nazrul Smriti Kendras still require modern upgrades and a greater influx of historical memorabilia.

Earlier in the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages paying rich tributes to the legendary poet, novelist, and journalist. In the capital, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam led delegations from various socio-political organizations to place wreaths at the poet's grave.

Born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia, West Bengal, Nazrul overcame severe childhood poverty to author 3,174 songs and over 600 poems before being diagnosed with Pick's disease in 1942. Following Bangladesh's independence, he was brought to Dhaka with state honors in 1972 and declared the National Poet, before passing away on August 29, 1976.