Legal action will be taken against 'distortion' of Nazrul's songs: NITB

Nazrul's 40th death anniv observed
The 40th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed on Saturday in the capital with due respect.
Different socio-cultural-professional bodies, institutions and political parties observed the day with elaborate programmes. The programmes included placing of wreaths at the grave of Nazrul, discussions, songs and poetry recitation sessions.
Leaders and activists of Awami League (AL) led by AL Joint General Secretary Dr Dipu Moni placed wreathe at the grave of Nazrul on the premises of Dhaka University Central Mosque in the morning.
Nazrul Institute Trustee Board Chairman Prof Emeritus Rafiqul Islam at a programme said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's disciples had 'distorted' his songs at different levels after his death.
He also said legal steps will be taken against distortion of Nazrul Sangeet 'in anyway', he said this while speaking at a discussion in Dhanmondi's Kobi Bhaban marking the day.
The Nazrul researcher also said the institute will recover 1,500 Nazrul songs from old gramophone records and publish their notations to stop distortion.
"If we can't do this, there will be no reason to have this Nazrul Institute in the first place," he said.
The poet's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi and Lawmaker Fazle Noor Taposh, among others, were present at the programme.
Besides, teachers, students and staff of DU led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique placed floral wreaths at poet's grave and prayed Fateha. A memorial meeting was also held on the Mazar premises with Arefin Siddique in the chair.
The VC, in his speech, said Nazrul's songs and poems played great role during the country's Liberation War in 1971.
He also urged all to practice Nazrul literatures to eradicate religious fundamentalism and communalism.
"It is our duty to make aware the new generation about the humanistic messages, equality and free thinking of Nazrul," he said.
He urged the students to study the writings of Nazrul for not only to pass the exams. Academics and researchers have to establish the messages of Nazrul internationally through translating his writings in different languages, he added.
Teachers and students of DU Music Department performed Nazrul Sangeet.
Later, Quran-Khwani was held at DU Central Mosque.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy arranged a discussion and cultural programme where Cultural Affairs Secretary Aktari Mamtaz was present the chief guest. Bangla Academy also organised a solo-lecture session followed by a cultural show at its Poet Shamsur Rahman auditorium in the afternoon.