Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the contribution of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam in building the national identity of the Bangalees is undeniable.
“The contribution of Kazi Nazrul Islam in building the national identity of the Bangalees is undeniable. From the anti-British movement to the long struggle for independence from the Pakistani occupiers, Kazi Nazrul Islam’s dynamic poetry, songs and literature have inspired us,” she said in a message on the occasion of the two-day ‘Nazrul Festival (Nazrul Utshab)’, beginning today.
Lauding the poet’s role in the nation building, the premier said, breaking the chains of subjugation, Nazrul had paved the way for the people to emerge as a distinct nation.
The greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was greatly influenced by the philosophy of Nazrul Islam, she said, adding that after the independence of Bangladesh under the undisputed leadership of Bangabandhu, the ‘Bidrohi’ poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was given the status of National Poet at his (Bangabandhu’s) own initiative.
She said that the poet dreamt of building a new society by concluding the deprivation of the oppressed people and establishing equality among all Bangalees, irrespective of religion.
“That was the base of ‘Sonar Bangladesh’ as dreamt by Father of Nation,” she added.
“We are working for the development of the country by embracing the ideals of the father of the nation,” she continued.
She said after the formation of the government in 2009, they established a Nazrul Institute Center in Cumilla.
The premier expressed her happiness as the entrepreneurs have taken initiative to preserve the overall creation of Nazrul and make the next generation aware of his invaluable cultural legacy through this Nazrul festival.
She hoped that the deep humanity, non-communal spirit and anti-exploitation voice of the national poet will play a leading role in realizing the dream of building a prosperous ‘Sonar Bangladesh’.
She wished all those involved in organizing this festival a success.
