People from all walks of life have paid homage to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the 48th anniversary of his death.
On Tuesday morning, various educational, social, cultural and political organisations paid tributes to the poet at his grave near Dhaka University's central mosque.
Nazrul was born in Bardhaman's Churulia village in West Bengal on May 24, 1899 (Jaishtha 11, 1306 on the Bengali calendar).
A few years before his death, he was brought to Bangladesh and given the status of National Poet. He took his last breath on Aug 27, 1976 (Bhadra 12, 1383).
While paying homage to the poet, his granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi said that Nazrul has remained relevant throughout the ages and there are very few treasured poets like him in Bengali literature and music.
"All the movements that have emerged through the ages have begun and ended with the poetry of Kazi Nazrul Islam. In particular, the people and citizens of Bangladesh have been greatly inspired by him. His poems and songs were a part of all the movements." She added that his writings spoke out against atrocities, injustices, and irregularities.
"His contributions to Bengali literature and music are undeniable. His poetry and music are national treasures. The more we practice them, the richer we will be. Nazrul will always be remembered whenever there are atrocities, injustices and irregularities in the world."
In the early hours of Tuesday, BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi led party leaders and activists and placed floral wreaths to pay homage to the national poet.
—bdnews24.com
