Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for the literary works, music and philosophy of Bangladesh's National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, to reach every household rather than remain confined to official ceremonies or institutional settings.
He made the call on Thursday while inaugurating Nazrul Year 2026�"2027 at a ceremony held in the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat.
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister said that in the era of information technology and artificial intelligence, Nazrul's literary works and philosophy can play a vital role in shaping the moral values of the younger generation.
Officially launching the year-long programme, he announced a wide range of initiatives, including literary conferences, research activities, cultural festivals, publications, theatre festivals and digital preservation projects. He said these initiatives would create opportunities to reintroduce and reassess Nazrul's life and legacy both nationally and internationally.
The Prime Minister said Nazrul scholars, artists and cultural activists should be engaged at the district, upazila and educational institution levels to strengthen the younger generation's connection with the poet's life and works. He also suggested that scholars and artists should participate virtually in these programmes instead of administrative officials, saying such an arrangement would be more appropriate.
He further said the government is considering the feasibility of declaring Trishal in Mymensingh�"closely associated with Nazrul's life�"as "Nazrul City." He also stressed the importance of translating Nazrul's works into multiple languages and expanding research to promote the poet's message of humanity across the world.
The Prime Minister said Kazi Nazrul Islam remains as relevant today as ever because of his ideals of equality, secularism, humanity and resistance to injustice.
Describing the National Poet as "the soul of Bangladesh," he reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a safe, inclusive and harmonious country where people of all religions and communities can coexist peacefully.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also unveiled a three-volume book titled Heroic Statesman Ziaur Rahman, authored by Kalam Faizi, at a ceremony held at the Prime Minister's Office under the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat.
