The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called upon all concerned to spread globally the immortal and versatile literary works of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, which is a unique asset of human being.

Study and practice of Kazi Nazrul's works including his literature and songs are inevitable for establishing a knowledge- based society, he added.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed today made this call while inaugurating national-level celebration of 109th birth anniversary of Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The Poet's birth-day 11 'Jaishtay' is being celebrated with due respect and enthusiasm across the country including Dhaka- Trishal- Comilla- Daulatpur and Chittagong.

Ministry of Cultural Affairs organised the colourful programme at Osmani Memorial Hall followed by a cultural show that included Nazrul songs, dances and recitation. Chief Adviser's spouse Begum Neena Ahmed attended the function. The Speaker, Advisers, Special Assistants, educationists, high civil and military officials, Nazrul researchers, singers and Nazrul devotees were present.

Education and Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, who is in charge of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, chaired the function.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Sharaful Alam gave address of welcome while Kazi Nazrul Islam's grand-daughter Khilkhil Kazi gave address of compliments. Prof. Dr Abdul Qaiyum was the commemorative speaker.

The Chief Adviser said Nazrul was great source of inspiration during the country's War of Liberation.

Paying rich tributes to the memories of the great poet, Dr Fakhruddin said "Nazrul in true sense was a poet of mass people, and till he is. Crossing the geographic boundary, the poet occupied his position amid the heart of struggling people across the world."

Referring to fundamental works of Nazrul in the fields of literature, music, society and politics, the Chief Adviser said we must take inspiration and teachings from his works.

"As a nation whatever tough time we face, we must face it boldly and achieve victory" he said and called upon country's poets, litterateurs, intellectuals and cultural workers to play a spontaneous role in this field being imbued with the spirit of progressive, reformist, non communal and public welfare.

Quoting the national poet, Dr Fakhruddin said "We must reach the destination whatever rough is the way being united and firm in our determination."

Like literature, Nazrul is a great contributor to the field of music also, the Chief Adviser said and added Nazrul has written innumerable songs and brought fundamental changes in music.

He said, besides, Nazrul was a successful journalist, editor, dramatist, actor and script writer. Nazrul's contribution to building social and cultural mind of the nation is unparallel.

Dr Fakhruddin said Nazrul's genius is yet to be introduced to the world arena and put emphasis on more research and promotional work on the national poet at home and abroad.

Referring to wonderful relevance of Nazrul's genius, Dr Fakhruddin said he (the poet) through his writings and songs upheld the cause of the suppressed womenfolk sincerely.

Terming Nazrul as the poet of youth, the Chief Adviser said the poet expected new creation through destruction of the old and degenerated social system.

Pointing to his success in using Arabic, Persian and Urdu words in his literature, Dr Fakhruddin said he had not only enriched Bangla poetry but also proved the internationalism and power of absorption of Bangla language.

Nazrul is the pioneer of our national renaissance, Dr Fakhruddin said and added he introduced a new era in Bangla language and literature where he upheld love and rebellion simultaneously.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said Nazrul is an everlasting source of inspiration for people of all strata.

Nazrul's grand-daughter Khilkhil Kazi said website on the national poet is the demand of the time to spread his message globally.