Nazrul's Literature a Weapon against Injustice: PM

Prime Minister said that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s pen served as a sharp weapon against colonial rule, oppression, exploitation, inequality, discrimination, superstition, and every form of injustice and ugliness.

"Nazrul was a rare genius whose influence has been immense throughout every stage of the nation's life," the Prime Minister stated while virtually inaugurating the year-long "Nazrul Year 2026–2027" programme during a meeting organized by the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Poet Nazrul Islam stands as one of those extraordinary individuals whose impact on our socio-economic, political, literary, cultural, moral, and intellectual life remains profound. 

He noted that from adolescence to adulthood, Nazrul's influence on the nation continues to be immeasurable.

The government has officially declared the period from May 25, 2026 to May 25, 2027 as "Nazrul Year." 

During the inaugural programme, it was also announced that the government is currently examining the feasibility of declaring Trishal in Mymensingh—a place closely associated with the poet's life and memories—as "Nazrul City."

Describing Kazi Nazrul Islam with various honorifics, the Prime Minister called him the Rebel Poet, the Poet of Love, the Poet of Youth, and the Poet of Bangladesh's heritage, describing him as an unforgettable name in national literary and cultural history. 

He added that the poet's emergence in the destiny of a subjugated, oppressed, and defeated nation acted like a guiding beacon.

"Whether revolutionary and patriotic songs, Islamic culture and values, devotional ‘Bhajans’ and ‘Kirtans’, ‘Shyama Sangeet’, love, nature, human values, the joys of childhood or the passion of youth—Nazrul gave us the purest expression in every sphere," the Prime Minister remarked.

Highlighting Nazrul as one of the foremost inspirations in cultivating love for the motherland, the premier stated that the nation's lives, hopes, aspirations, dreams, struggles, literature, culture, history, and heritage have found majestic expression through his writings.

“His creativity embraces people of all ages and all generations. He continues to inspire us to stand against injustice and oppression. His relevance will never diminish," the Prime Minister added.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted that Nazrul's poetry and songs served as a powerful source of inspiration during Bangladesh's Liberation War, and have consistently remained the language of protest and resistance in every democratic movement.

"He is an inseparable part of our daily lives. Nazrul is not merely a figure of history; he remains equally relevant for today's generation and for generations to come. It is with this conviction that 'Nazrul Year' has been launched to strengthen the connection between the National Poet's life and works and the people, especially the younger generation," the Prime Minister said.

Greeting everyone involved in celebrating the occasion, he stated, "I extend my congratulations to the government officials, Nazrul scholars and Nazrul music artists who have joined today's inaugural programme." 

He simultaneously observed that greater emphasis should have been placed specifically on Nazrul scholars and admirers in the celebration of Nazrul Year.

Mentioning the unrestricted flow of information technology alongside both the positive and negative impacts of artificial intelligence on the younger generation, the Prime Minister stated that Nazrul's morally uplifting poems, such as "Ami Hobo Shokal Belar Pakhi" (I Shall Be the Bird of the Morning) and "Thakbo Nako Boddho Ghore" (I Will Not Remain Confined Indoors), are especially relevant in guiding young people through today's complex world.

"He is an indispensable part of our lives. Nazrul is not only a figure of the past but also a lasting source of inspiration for future generations," he reiterated.

The Prime Minister further remarked, "As a political worker, I believe National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam represents the very soul of Bangladesh. Throughout his life, he sang the song of equality, where there is no distinction among Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims or Christians.”

In this context, he stated that the present government is likewise firmly committed to building a discrimination-free state and society where every individual—and indeed every living being—can live in absolute safety regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

The premier called upon the National Committee for the Celebration of Nazrul Year, comprising Nazrul scholars and admirers from across the country, to successfully organize the scheduled year-long literary conferences, research activities, seminars, cultural festivals, Nazrul music performances, theatre festivals, and art exhibitions. 

He stressed that Nazrul's literature, which is rich in moral values, must be used as a guiding light to protect the younger generation from misguided influences in today's challenging global environment.

In conclusion, expressing his profound respect for the National Poet's life, works, literature, and humanistic ideals, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the year-long "Nazrul Year 2026–2027" programme.

The virtual inauguration was widely attended by government officials, Nazrul scholars, and Nazrul music artists from across the country. 

To mark the special occasion, a commemorative postage stamp and the official logo for "Nazrul Year" were also formally unveiled. 

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Ray Chowdhury chaired the event, while LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Prime Minister's Adviser on Policy and Strategy Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, and the Prime Minister's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly were present.