Nazrul Barsha Nationwide 3-day progs begins Jun 18

The inaugural programmes of ‘Nazrul Barsho’ will begin on June 18 with colorful three-day celebrations in all 64 districts and 74 remote and specialized upazilas across Bangladesh.

The nationwide events will continue until June 20 and will officially launch the state-declared ‘Nazrul Barsho’ in celebration of the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The announcement was made by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at a press conference held at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on Sunday, June 14.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam MP, Ministry Secretary Miz Kaniz Maula and other senior officials were also present.

Speaking at the press conference, the minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared the period from May 25, 2026 to May 25, 2027 as ‘Nazrul Barsho’.

The declaration was made on May 23 during the opening ceremony of the poet’s 127th birth anniversary celebrations in Trishal, Mymensingh.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has taken extensive preparations to implement the year-long program.

He said funds have already been allocated from the current fiscal year’s budget to all districts and designated upazilas to ensure the successful organization of the opening events.

The minister said the contributions and philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam in Bengali literature and national life have not been presented with proper importance for many years.

He said Nazrul’s ideals have always been one of the major sources of inspiration in Bangladesh’s history of independence, democracy and nationalism.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury also recalled that martyred President Ziaur Rahman granted Bangladeshi citizenship to Kazi Nazrul Islam in 1976. He added that significant initiatives were taken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to promote the poet’s literary works and philosophy.

The minister said the current government is committed to introducing Nazrul’s ideals of equality, humanity and non-communal values to the younger generation.

Several major initiatives planned for ‘Nazrul Barsho’ were also announced at the press conference.

These include the formation of a high-level national committee to oversee the celebrations.