Mymensingh Correspondent:

Today, Wednesday, August 27, 2025, is the 49th death anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. On this day in 1976, he breathed his last at PG Hospital (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) in Dhaka. Later, he was buried with state honors next to the Central Mosque of Dhaka University.

Known as a rebel poet, Nazrul created a unique revolution in Bengali literature, music and culture. He has made a bright presence in poetry, songs, essays, plays, novels, stories, and even films. He was a journalist, singer, composer and actor—equally proficient in all fields.

He was born on May 24, 1899, in the village of Churulia in Burdwan district of West Bengal. Nazrul was known as 'Dukhu Mia' in his childhood. His father was Kazi Fakir Ahmed and mother was Zaheda Khatun. The main themes of his literary works are the establishment of the rights of the exploited and oppressed people, love, equality, humanity and non-communal consciousness.

After Bangladesh became independent, he was brought to Dhaka on May 24, 1972. The government granted him the status of National Poet. In 1974, Dhaka University awarded him an honorary D-Lit degree and in 1976, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak.

The program to mark his death anniversary began at 8 am today with a wreath-laying ceremony and a prayer meeting at the poet's tomb at Dhaka University. Bangla Academy has organized a day-long seminar and cultural program. A discussion meeting will be held at the Shamsur Rahman Seminar Room of the Academy at 4 pm.

Nazrul researcher Professor Dr. Anwarul Haque will present the main article. Dr. Syeda Motahera Banu and Kazi Nasir Mamun will participate in the discussion. Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam will preside.

Tito Munshi will recite at the cultural program and Ferdous Ara, Shaheed Kabir Palash and Tanvir Alam Sajeeb will perform Nazrul songs.

Social and cultural organizations across the country, including Dhaka, are celebrating the day through various programs. People from all walks of life are participating in visits to the poet's grave, discussion meetings and cultural programs.