Leading Nazrul scholars, artistes, poets and recitation performers have called for wider promotion of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s works through textbooks, research, publications, mass media and digital platforms, saying such initiatives would help introduce his legacy to broader audiences at home and abroad.
They also proposed playing Nazrul’s songs in buses, trains, aircraft and other public spaces to make his philosophy and creative works more accessible to people across the country and beyond.
The recommendations came during an artistes’ gathering and exchange meeting organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the National Art Gallery auditorium on Sunday as part of Nazrul Year celebrations. The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, bringing together artistes, researchers and cultural activists from across the country.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy said it has planned year-long programmes to mark Nazrul Year 2026–27. The discussion was organised to gather suggestions on making those initiatives more effective, people-oriented and impactful for future generations.
Speakers stressed that activities should not remain confined to Dhaka. They called for expanding talent hunts, workshops and research programmes on Nazrul at district and divisional levels.
They also proposed establishing Nazrul Cultural Centres abroad to promote the poet’s works internationally.
The participants emphasised the need to strengthen Nazrul studies at every stage of education, from primary schools to secondary and higher secondary institutions, universities and district Shilpakala academies.
According to the speakers, Nazrul studies should not be limited to songs, poetry and dance. They urged organisers to encourage the younger generation to explore his works through instrumental music, seminars, workshops and training programmes while preserving the authenticity of his lyrics and compositions.
They also stressed that programmes launched for Nazrul Year should continue beyond the official observance instead of ending after a single year.
The meeting further proposed strengthening the preservation and research of Nazrul’s works, expanding the presence of his literature and music across mass media and digital platforms, building monuments in public places, establishing a Nazrul Cultural Museum, and producing a theme song for Nazrul Year.
Speakers also called for ensuring opportunities for emerging artistes to perform alongside established performers at various events.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Nitai Roy Chowdhury, who attended the programme, said culture and cultural education can play a vital role in building a society free from drugs, religious extremism and militancy.
He said the younger generation should become more familiar with Bangladesh’s rich musical traditions, including Lalon, Bhawaiya and Bhatiali. He also highlighted the need to include more of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s songs, poems and writings in primary school textbooks.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayem attended the event as special guest.
Helal Khan, convener of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik O Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS), attended as guest of honour.
The meeting was chaired by Ministry of Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla, while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain delivered the vote of thanks.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin said the academy has undertaken a series of year-long programmes to celebrate Nazrul Year 2026–27.
He said the exchange meeting aimed to identify ways to implement those initiatives on a broader scale with greater public participation. He added that the academy would consider the recommendations made by participants while implementing the programmes.
Around 400 singers, dancers, recitation artistes and Nazrul researchers from across the country attended the meeting.
Among those who spoke were Lubna Mariam, Ferdous Ara, Khairul Anam Shakil, Kalpana Anam, Sadia Afrin Mallik, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Professor Nashid Kamal, Yakub Ali Khan, Gazi Abdul Hakim, Sujit Mostafa, Seema Islam, AFM Hayat Ullah, Saju Ahmed and Priyanka Gop.
