Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is an inseparable part of everyday life, describing him as a continuing source of inspiration for present and future generations.
He made the remarks while virtually inaugurating the “Nazrul Year 2026–2027” programme at a ceremony held at the Cabinet Division room in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The prime minister said Nazrul Islam was not only a figure of the past but also a timeless inspiration whose literature and creativity have profoundly influenced the nation’s social, cultural and political life.
“Every nation produces certain extraordinary individuals who deeply influence its socio-economic and political life, as well as its literature, culture, values and collective mindset. Kazi Nazrul Islam is one such exceptional personality. From adolescence to adulthood, his influence remains immense at every stage of our lives,” he said.
The government has declared the period from 25 May 2026 to 25 May 2027 as “Nazrul Year”, while a proposal is also under consideration to declare Trishal in Mymensingh, closely associated with the poet’s memory, as a “Nazrul City”.
Paying tribute to the national poet’s legacy, the prime minister described him as the “Rebel Poet, Poet of Love, Poet of Separation, Poet of Youth and Poet of Bangladesh’s heritage”, adding that Nazrul remains an unforgettable name in the country’s literary and cultural history.
“He appeared like a beacon of light in the sky of an oppressed nation. His pen was a sharpened weapon against injustice, oppression, inequality and all forms of wrongdoing. Whether rebellion, revolution, Islamic cultural expression, devotional songs, love, nature or human values his creativity remained pure and universal,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said Nazrul Islam’s writings have consistently reflected the nation’s life, hopes, struggles, literature, culture and history, adding that his creative legacy belongs to all times and all people.
“He inspires us to stand against injustice. His relevance will never fade,” he said.
Tarique also said Nazrul’s poetry and songs played a vital role during the Liberation War and have continued to serve as a voice of resistance in all movements and struggles of the nation.
He suggested that Nazrul scholars and admirers should be given greater prominence in such events, rather than administrative officials.
“Just as it is inappropriate to prioritise bureaucrats over scholars in Nazrul-related programmes, the participation of Nazrul enthusiasts is more appropriate than officials,” he said.
Referring to the impact of modern technology and artificial intelligence on the younger generation, the Prime Minister said Nazrul’s moral and inspirational works remain highly relevant today.
“In the present complex reality, poems such as ‘I will be a bird of the morning’ and ‘I will not remain confined within walls’ are extremely relevant in guiding our youth,” he said.
He further said Nazrul represents “the soul of Bangladesh”, as he consistently advocated equality among all communities.
“Our government is also working towards building a discrimination-free society where every human being—and even every living being—can live in safety, regardless of religion or background,” he added.
Tarique Rahman called for year-round programmes including literary gatherings, research activities, seminars, cultural festivals, Nazrul music sessions, theatre events and exhibitions under the National Committee formed for Nazrul Year celebrations.
He also urged the use of Nazrul’s moral literature as a guiding light to protect the younger generation from social and technological challenges.
At the end of the ceremony, he formally inaugurated the Nazrul Year 2026–2027 programme, paying deep tribute to the poet’s life, work and humanistic ideals.
The virtually held programme was joined by government officials, Nazrul researchers and artistes from across the country. A special commemorative postage stamp and logo marking Nazrul Year were also unveiled.
The event was chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and attended, among others, by Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Prime Minister’s Policy and Strategy Adviser Zahidur Rahman, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Maula, and Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Selim (Saleh Shibly).
