PM declares ‘Nazrul Year’ for 2026-27
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the period from 25 May 2026 to 25 May 2027 will be observed as “Nazrul Year”, in honour of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
He made the announcement after attending a cultural programme in Trishal on Saturday afternoon, marking the 127th birth anniversary of the national poet.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a three-day national cultural event titled “Tobu Amare Debe Na Bhulite” at Nazrul Mancha in Trishal.
Speaking at the inaugural session, he said, “To establish a safe and humane state and society, we must establish the rule of law in the country and bring changes in political culture.”
He added, “At the same time, we must revive the country’s long-standing religious, social and cultural values in national life. In this regard, the life and works of Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam are highly relevant.”
Calling for wider international recognition of Nazrul’s literary legacy, the Prime Minister said his philosophy and outlook on life should be passed on to future generations.
As part of this initiative, he suggested that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism examine the feasibility of declaring Trishal as a “Nazrul City”.
He further said, “Bangladesh and Kazi Nazrul Islam are inseparable. He is a true representative of our national identity and a symbol of our national consciousness. He is a pioneer of our nationalism.”
The programme was presided over by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, while local MP Mahbubur Rahman Liton delivered the welcome address.
Professor Tarikh Monjur of the Bangla Department at the University of Dhaka delivered a commemorative speech.
Kazi Nazrul Islam (24 May 1899, Churulia, Bengal [now in West Bengal, India) was a Bengali poet, short story writer, journalist, lyricist, and musician. He was later honoured with the title of national poet of Bangladesh.
Popularly known as the “Rebel Poet” (Bidrohi Kobi) and affectionately called Dukhu Mia, his literary works and revolutionary songs played a vital role in inspiring the Bengali nation during the 1971 Liberation War.
He died on August 29, 1976 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Md Shariful Alam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Kaniz Moula, Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Executive Director of Kabi Nazrul Institute Md Latiful Islam Shibli, the poet’s granddaughter and Chairperson of the Trustee Board of the institute Khilkhil Kazi, and Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner Md Saifur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.
Cabinet members and lawmakers from various constituencies were also present.
During the event, the Prime Minister conferred the ‘Nazrul Padak’ and honorary crests on two individuals in recognition of their contributions to Nazrul research and the poet’s philosophy.
He later unveiled a commemorative publication dedicated to Nazrul.
