Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a literary and musical evening titled Borshay Nazrul on Wednesday, celebrating the enduring legacy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam through songs, dance and poetry inspired by the monsoon.
Held at the National Theatre Hall under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the programme sought to introduce Nazrul’s timeless ideals of human liberation, equality, love, secularism and beauty to younger generations through a vibrant cultural presentation.
Speaking at the event, BSA Director General and poet Rezauddin Stalin highlighted Nazrul’s profound love for Bangladesh’s six seasons, particularly the monsoon.
“Nazrul wrote countless songs and poems on the rainy season. His depiction of Bangladesh’s six seasons is extraordinary, while his songs and poems on Shraban continue to mesmerise listeners. Even today, the imagery of rain in his poetry deeply touches our hearts,” he said.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid also addressed the audience, while BSA Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain delivered the vote of thanks. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla was also present at the event.
The cultural programme opened with a group dance by BSA artistes to Rimi Jhimi Rimi Jhimi Mon Deya Boroshe. BSA vocalists then performed choral renditions of Dao Shourjo Dao Dhoirjo and Megher Domoru Ghono Baje.
The evening also featured solo performances by renowned Nazrul Sangeet artistes Fatema Tuz Zohra, Ferdous Ara, Yasmin Mushtari, Khairul Alam Shakil, Priyanka Gope and Munni Kader. Group dance performances were presented by Nandan Kalakendra, Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, Nrityalok Cultural Organisation and Sristi Cultural Centre under the direction of renowned choreographers.
A special segment brought together leading Nazrul Sangeet exponents, including Ferdous Ara, Yasmin Mushtari, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Yakub Ali Khan, Shahid Kabir Palash, Bijan Chandra Mistry, Priyanka Gope, Tanvir Alam Sajeeb, Razia Sultana Mishi, Mehfuz Al Fahad, Chhanda Chakraborty and Mahmudul Hasan. They performed songs composed by the National Poet celebrating the beauty and spirit of the monsoon, bringing the evening to a colourful close.
