Bangla Academy has announced the recipients of the Nazrul Award 2026, honouring eminent Nazrul researcher Professor Rashidun Nabi and celebrated Nazrul Sangeet artiste Fatema Tuz Zohra for their outstanding contributions to the life, works and musical legacy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
According to a press release signed by Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam, Professor Rashidun Nabi has been selected for his distinguished research on Nazrul’s life and literary works, while Fatema Tuz Zohra is being recognised for her long-standing contribution to the practice and promotion of Nazrul Sangeet.
The awards will be formally presented at a special programme organised by Bangla Academy on May 23 at 3:00pm, marking the 127th birth anniversary of the National Poet.
Professor Rashidun Nabi is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading Nazrul scholars and researchers. Over the years, he has authored and edited several research-based works on Kazi Nazrul Islam, focusing on the poet’s literary philosophy, political consciousness and contribution to Bengali culture. He has also been actively involved in academic and cultural discussions surrounding Nazrul studies and has contributed to preserving and expanding scholarly engagement with the poet’s legacy.
Fatema Tuz Zohra is one of Bangladesh’s most prominent Nazrul Sangeet artistes and cultural personalities. With a musical career spanning decades, she has played a key role in popularising Nazrul’s songs among generations of listeners through stage performances, radio, television and recordings. She received the Ekushey Padak in 2006 for her contribution to music and has remained closely associated with the preservation and promotion of Nazrul Sangeet in Bangladesh.
Bangla Academy has continued to honour scholars and cultural figures through various literary and cultural awards recognising contributions to Bengali language, literature and heritage. The Nazrul Award is conferred annually to recognise notable contributions to Nazrul studies, research and musical practice associated with the works of Kazi Nazrul Islam.
