National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 117th birthday is being commemorated on Wednesday.
Nazrul, the rebel poet of Bangla literature was born at Churulia in Burdwan district of West Bengal on this day in 1899 (the 11th of Jaishtha).
Nazrul was honored as the national poet of Bangladesh in 1972 by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On Wednesday morning, eminent personalities, politicians, academicians, cultural activists, family members of the poet, poetry aficionados and the general people paid their respects at his grave on the Dhaka University (DU) premises.
Various programs have also been organized by different organisations, including the DU and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Separate messages highlighting Nazrul’s life were issued by President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
TV channels and radio stations will broadcast special programmes on Nazrul’s works, including his poetry and songs.
