The 43rd death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed across the country today.
The poet breathed his last at the then PG Hospital, now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, in the city on 12th Bhadra of Bangla calendar year 1383 (August 29, 1976) at the age of 77.
The poet was buried with state honours beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
Different political parties, socio-cultural and professional bodies have drawn up elaborate programmes to observe the day.
Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes marking the day. Besides, the national dailies will bring out special supplements.
Dhaka University will arrange a Qurankhwani after Fajr prayers at the DU central mosque.
Teachers, students, officers and employees of the university will bring out a procession on the campus after offering Fateha at the grave of the poet. A discussion will be also arranged on the campus.
Bangla Academy will organise a solo lecture session on the poet, with National Professor Dr Anisuzzaman in the chair.
Central leaders of the Awami League will place a wreath at the poet’s grave and offer Fateha there.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Shishu Academy and Nazrul Academy will observe the day by holding separate programmes.
Nazrul was a poet, lyricist, musician and philosopher. The nation drew inspiration from his poems and songs during the Liberation War in 1971 and all other democratic movements.
He wrote nearly 3,000 songs and composed many of them.
After the independence of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had brought Nazrul and his family to Dhaka from Kolkata.
Bangabandhu also provided a residence for the family in the city’s Dhanmondi.
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