A Nation’s Homage: Kazi Nazrul Islam’s Legacy Shines 50 Years After His Passing
Bangladesh is remembering its National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, today. This marks the 50th anniversary of his passing. Across the country, many programs are paying tribute to his lasting contributions. People are celebrating his works in Bangla literature and culture.
Kazi Nazrul Islam passed away on August 29, 1976. This date is Bhadra 12, 1383, in the Bangla calendar. He died at the then PG Hospital, now Bangladesh Medical University, in Dhaka. He was buried with national honours next to the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
Various institutions are marking this sad day. Dhaka University, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Kabi Nazrul Institute are holding events. Many political parties and cultural groups also have special programs.
These programs include placing wreaths at the poet’s grave. There are discussions, poetry readings, and song recitations. Dramas based on his literary works are also being staged. A Khatme Quran was held at Dhaka University’s central mosque after Fajr prayers.
Teachers, students, and staff of Dhaka University gathered early in the morning. Led by the vice-chancellor, they walked in a procession to Nazrul’s grave. They laid wreaths and paid their respects. A discussion is also planned at the grave site.
Kabi Nazrul Institute will hold a discussion titled “Immortal Nazrul.” They will also arrange a doa mahfil and perform Hamd and Naat. Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private channels are broadcasting special programs for the occasion.
Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 25, 1899. This date is Jaisthya 11, 1306, in the Bangla calendar. He was born in Churulia village, Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India. His nickname was Dukhu Mia, meaning “man of sorrow.”
Nazrul’s poems and songs inspired the nation during the 1971 Liberation War. They also fueled later democratic movements. He wrote over 3,000 songs. These songs are famously known as Nazrul Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet.
He developed his writing skills with theatre groups. Later, he joined the British Indian Army. After leaving the army, he worked as a journalist in Kolkata. He became a strong voice against British colonial rule.
Nazrul wrote poems and articles with revolutionary ideas. His famous works include “Bidrohi” (The Rebel) and “Bhangar Gaan” (The Song of Destruction). His magazine “Dhumketu” (The Comet) also showed his anti-colonial views. British authorities jailed him many times for his work. He supported India’s freedom movement. While in jail, he wrote “Rajbandir Jabanbandi” (Deposition of a Political Prisoner).
In 1942, when he was 43, Nazrul became ill. This unknown illness slowly affected his speech and memory. In May 1972, the Bangladesh government brought Nazrul and his family to Dhaka from Kolkata. They gave him a home in Dhanmondi.
The Bangladesh government granted him citizenship on February 18, 1976. He received the respected Ekushey Padak in the same year. He passed away later that year. People still visit his grave to honour him. He remains a national symbol of rebellion, equality, and humanism.
A previous government announced “Nazrul Year” from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027. This special year will mark the poet’s 127th birth anniversary.
