Bangladesh is paying tribute to its national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam with songs, discussions, and flowers on his 49th death anniversary.
On Wednesday, family members and admirers of the rebel poet gathered at his grave beside the central mosque of Dhaka University. A discussion and a musical programme were also organised.
Nazrul's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi said that simply holding annual commemorations is not enough to introduce him to the younger generation.
"The new generation must learn about the struggles that Nazrul endured."
Khilkhil's also recalled how Nazrul was brought to Bangladesh in 1972 and spoke about the bond between her family and the country.
Expressing disappointment about the lack of translations of his works, she said: "The literary works and music of Kazi Nazrul Islam are our national treasures. I appeal to the government institutions responsible to take steps to spread his works to the world.
"Some translations have been done by the Nazrul Institute, but the Bangla Academy could also have carried out a larger-scale translation project. But that hasn't happened."
The Bangla Academy also paid homage to the poet at his grave.
Various organisations, including Dhaka University, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Nazrul Institute, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha, Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, Nazrul Promila Parishad, Jatiyatabadi Lekhok Forum, Nazrul Academy, Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Sangstha, Bashori - A Nazrul Centre, Shaheed Abul Barkat Memorial Museum, and Zia Shishu Kishore Mela, paid floral tributes at Nazrul's grave.
Various residential halls of Dhaka University also offered tributes, with some participants offering prayers.
Artists from Dhaka University's Department of Music performed several songs, including "Bagichay Bulbuli" and "Tora Dekhe Ja Aminar Kole". Teachers and students from different departments were also present.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan said, "Nazrul lived an extraordinarily diverse life. He was a journalist, a soldier on the battlefield, and wherever he touched literature, he turned it into gold. He endured countless struggles and hardships. We must reflect on how we can practice and uphold his multifaceted life in our own academic and professional lives."
�"bdnews24.com
