Nazrul’s ideals key to inclusive Bangladesh: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman launches the year-long Nazrul Year 2026-27 celebrations, urging people to embrace National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s ideals of humanity, equality and communal harmony while reaffirming the government’s commitment to building an inclusive Bangladesh where people of all faiths can live safely and peacefully.

Inaugurating the year-long Nazrul Year 2026-27 celebrations from the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat on Thursday, he said the government is working to establish a society where every citizen, regardless of religion or race, can live without fear, while also calling for greater protection of animals from human cruelty.

“The present government is working to build such a state and society where every person, irrespective of religion or race, can live safely and without fear. Not only the safety of human beings, let’s also ensure that no animal falls victim to human cruelty,” he said.

The programme is launched simultaneously in all 64 districts and 74 selected upazilas through a virtual platform.

Highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister said technological progress has created new opportunities for learning but also poses moral challenges for younger generations.
“Nazrul’s poems, songs and literary works, rooted in humanity and ethical values, can provide guidance for the country’s youth,” he said.

“That is why discussions on Nazrul should not remain within the four walls of ministries or government offices. His literary works and philosophy of life and vision should reach every household across the country,” he added.

Recalling Nazrul’s role in the country’s struggles, Tarique said the National Poet inspired people during the Liberation War and continued to motivate resistance and democratic movements.

“He is not only a part of our history as he remains relevant to today’s generation and will continue to inspire future generations,” he also said.

Referring to Nazrul’s poem Abhoy Sundar, the Prime Minister says the poet himself envisioned future generations carrying forward his ideals.

Describing Nazrul as the “soul of Bangladesh”, Tarique says the poet’s philosophy of equality, humanity and communal harmony remains especially significant when attempts are made to divide people for narrow political interests.

Quoting Nazrul’s famous lines, “Gahi Samyer Gaan… Jekhane mishese Hindu, Bouddha, Muslim, Christian,” he says Bangladesh’s greatest strength lies in people of different faiths living together peacefully.

“Even if evil forces try to create division and conflict for their own political interests, living together peacefully has always been the timeless value of the people of Bangladesh.”

The Prime Minister calls for Nazrul’s life, philosophy and literary legacy to be passed from one generation to the next.

He says the year-long observance will feature literary conferences, research seminars, cultural festivals, Nazrul music performances, publications, theatre festivals and art exhibitions aimed at bringing the National Poet’s works closer to people.

Emphasising the importance of technology, Tarique says digital platforms should be used to preserve and promote Nazrul’s literature and music before an international audience.

“This inauguration itself is being held digitally. In the same way, digital platforms offer us the opportunity to preserve his literary works and songs and introduce them to a wider global audience.”

He also urges members of the National Nazrul Year Celebration Committee, Nazrul researchers and educational institutions to ensure active participation throughout the year.

Expressing optimism that the celebration will deepen appreciation of Nazrul’s literary legacy at home and abroad, the Prime Minister formally inaugurates the year-long programme.

The government has declared the period from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, as Nazrul Year to strengthen the bond between National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and the younger generation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman unveils six commemorative postage stamps and the official logo marking Nazrul Year 2026-27.

The inauguration is attended by Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, senior government officials, Nazrul researchers and cultural personalities. Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers join the programme virtually from across the country.