The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute is set to host the publication ceremony and a cultural programme marking the release of ‘Quintessence of Nazrul’, an English translation anthology drawn from the works of Kazi Nazrul Islam, at its Dhanmondi auditorium in Dhaka on February 3.
Titled ‘Nazrul Nirjas’ (The Quintessence of Nazrul), the volume seeks to introduce the philosophical depth, creative range and universal humanist spirit of the National Poet’s writings to a global readership through English translation.
The programme will begin at 4:00 pm and is expected to be attended by noted scholars, cultural practitioners and admirers of Nazrul.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will attend the event as chief guest, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mafidur Rahman will be present as special guest. Poet, researcher and Nazrul’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi, also Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute, and Dr Tazin Aziz Chowdhury, professor and chair of the English Department at the University of Dhaka, will also attend.
The discussion session will be chaired by Latiful Islam Shibli, Director General (Grade I) of the institute. Eminent Nazrul scholar Professor Irshad Ahmed Shaheen will present the keynote paper, focusing on the literary, linguistic and ideological challenges of translating Nazrul’s poetry, songs and prose into English while preserving their musicality and revolutionary ethos.
Writing ahead of the programme, Latiful Islam Shibli described the publication as a long-cherished dream of the institute. “Some works feel like dreams. Alhamdulillah, we have named this initiative Nazrul Sahityer Bishwajatra, and we envision many languages joining this journey in the days to come. We warmly invite everyone to be part of it,” he said.
The event will also feature a cultural segment, including solo and group musical performances by renowned artistes such as Yeakub Ali Khan, Ferdous Ara, Dr Nashid Kamal and Salahuddin Ahmed, alongside trained performers from the institute. English recitations reflecting the spirit of cross-cultural exchange embedded in the publication will also be presented.
Organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the programme is seen as a significant step towards positioning Kazi Nazrul Islam within a broader global literary framework.
Through Quintessence of Nazrul, the institute aims to reaffirm the relevance of Nazrul’s ideals of rebellion, equality and human dignity for contemporary and international audiences alike.
