People from all walks of life pay homage to Kazi Nazrul Islam

People from all walks of life have paid homage to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the 48th anniversary of his death.

On Tuesday morning, various educational, social, cultural and political organisations paid tributes to the poet at his grave near Dhaka University’s central mosque.

Nazrul was born in Bardhaman’s Churulia village in West Bengal on May 24, 1899 (Jaishtha 11, 1306 on the Bengali calendar).

A few years before his death, he was brought to Bangladesh and given the status of National Poet. He took his last breath on Aug 29, 1976 (Bhadra 12, 1383).

While paying homage to the poet, his granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi said that Nazrul has remained relevant throughout the ages and there are very few treasured poets like him in Bengali literature and music.

 “All the movements that have emerged through the ages have begun and ended with the poetry of Kazi Nazrul Islam. In particular, the people and citizens of Bangladesh have been greatly inspired by him. His poems and songs were a part of all the movements.”

She added that his writings spoke out against atrocities, injustices, and irregularities.

 “His contributions to Bengali literature and music are undeniable. His poetry and music are national treasures. The more we practice them, the richer we will be. Nazrul will always be remembered whenever there are atrocities, injustices and irregularities in the world.”

In the early hours of Tuesday, BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi led party leaders and activists and placed floral wreaths to pay homage to the national poet.

Later, Rizvi told journalists that a ‘dangerous and monstrous dictator’ had been toppled a few days ago in a mass uprising led by students.

 “In the turbulent waves of the movement, you have heard ‘Karar Oi Louho Kopat,’ ‘Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam Mora Jhornar Moto Chonchol.”

 “Those who have sacrificed themselves on the field, all of them were inspired by singing and listening to Nazrul’s songs. His songs inspire us even today to fight against oppressors.”

While speaking of the opening of the dams in India, Rizvi said: “It seems they are doing this with an evil intent.”

 “They close the dams during the dry season when we need water. Sheikh Hasina went through the Assam Accord so we do not get our share of the water. This happened because one person knelt to them for 16 to 17 years.”