National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 125th birth anniversary is being celebrated across the country today. On the occasion of the day, exclusive programs have been taken at the national level.

Ministry of Cultural Affairs has taken elaborate programmes to mark the day at the national level. Different organisations and cultural bodies, including Dhaka University, have also taken programmes to celebrate the day amid various functions on Saturday (May 24).

President Mohammed Shahbuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages and paying rich tributes to the memory of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

President Md. Sahabuddin said in his speech, Nazrul's poetry and songs provided inspiration in every movement and struggle of Bengali, including the anti-British movement, the mass uprising of the 1970s and the great liberation war.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, 'Poet Nazrul has inspired and stimulated the people of Bangladesh in the liberation struggle through his convincing and strong writings. The diverse creativity of Nazrul literature is still relevant in our national life.

Begum Matia Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of Jatiya Sangsad, being present as the chief guest on the opening day of the three-day event (May 25 to 27) organized by the Ministry of Culture. The program inaugurates at Shahbagh National Museum in the capital on Saturday at 4 pm. Apart from this, under the leadership of Nahid Izhar Khan, State Minister of the Ministry of Culture, wreaths are being placed at Nazrul's tomb at Dhaka University campus at 6:30 am today.

Apart from this, the 125th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being celebrated in various places including Mymensingh's Trishal and Cumilla's Daulatpur, where the national poet's memory is intertwined, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and under the management of the local administration. Besides is being celebrated at Tewta in Manikganj and Karpasdanga in Chuadanga and Chattogram. On this occasion, the local administration has taken various programs including discussions and cultural events.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private radio and television channels broadcasting the national level opening ceremony along with live broadcast. On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Awami League paid homage at Nazrul's tomb in the central mosque premises of Dhaka University at 7:30 am.

General Secretary of Awami League and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader said in a statement on Friday that Kazi Nazrul Islam is a poet of Bengali traditional thinking and spirit. In Bengali literature, Kazi Nazrul is known as a poet of love and equality. Standing against superstition, bigotry and sectarianism, the poet sang the victory of humanity. Taking up the pen against the exploitation, torture and discrimination of the British rulers, he awakened the sense of Bengali nationalism.

In the statement, he called on the leaders, workers, supporters and fans of Awami League, allied and fraternal organizations at all levels to celebrate the birthday of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam with due dignity.

Bangla Academy was showing respects at Nazrul's tomb in Dhaka University Central Mosque at 8 am on Saturday. Apart from this, tributes also be paid to the Nazrul's portrait installed at the Nazrul Manch of Bangla Academy.

Dhaka University authorities have undertaken various programs to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam with due dignity. Programs include wreath-laying at Nazrul's shrine, discussions and musical performances.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Maqsood Kamal, teachers, students, officers and employees of the university taken a procession to Nazrul's tomb at 6:30 am.

Later, they paid tributes by placing wreaths at the National Poet's shrine and recite Fateha for his soul's salvation.

After that, under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, a discussion meeting and music program were organized at Nazrul's tomb premises.

Although known as a rebel poet in Bengali literature, Kazi Nazrul was a poet, musician, novelist, storyteller, playwright, essayist, journalist, filmmaker, singer and actor. He has held the seat of dignity in the world of Bengali music by creating various ragas and raginis. His poems, songs and literary works created a renaissance in Bengali literature.

Kazi Nazrul Islam born in Churulia village, West Bengal, on this day in 1899, Nazrul's works inspired resistance against injustice and oppression. His fiery poetry and creative genius have left an indelible mark on Bengali literature.