Kazi Nazrul

Press Release on the 44th Death Anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, National Poet of Bangladesh

29.08.2020 (August)

Embassy of Bangladesh in Tashkent organized a seminar and screening of documentary film on the life & work of Kazi Narzul Islam National poet of Bangladesh on 44th death anniversary at the Samarkhand Room of Wyndham Hotel in Tashkent on 29th August 2020 (Saturday).

Guests were welcomed with the inspirational song “Chol Chol Chol” by National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. In her welcome remarks, Sohira Rakhmatova, PR Aide to H.E. Ambassador, mentioned that Kazi Nazrul Islam composed thousands songs and many pieces of poetry that included religious devotion, love, patriotism, spiritual rebellion and protest against all sorts of persecution. She described the life and activities of the National poet of Bangladesh and informed the audience that his writings, especially poems where a great source of inspiration for the freedom fighters of Bangladesh during the War of Liberation in 1971.

H.E. Ambassador Mosud Mannan ndc paid rich tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam and highlighted that Nazrul himself is an integral part of the Golden History of Bangladesh. His contemporary thoughts and philosophy enriched Bangla literature. Ambassador Mosud Mannan aslo stressed that he was a great poet, musician and philosopher. His writings explored themes such as freedom, humanity, love, and revolution. There are around 4000 Nazrul songs which are very popular among the Bengali people in Bangladesh and India. H.E. Mosud Mannan ndc said that after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought poet Nazrul Islam from Kolkata to Dhaka and settled him with a nice residence in Dhaka. The poet was subsequently honoured as the National Poet of Bangladesh.  Ambassador Mosud Mannan specially emphasised about the secular aspect of Nazrul`s literary works which, he felt, was more relevant now in the context of growing intolerance and violence around the world. He also described in details about his upbringing, career and political affiliations.

Afterwards, a special documentary film was screened on the life and works on Kazi Nazrul Islam made by Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh.

Ms. Maftuna Niyazbekova, Translator & Political Aide to H.E. Ambassador read an article on the theme “Narzul as an Editor”. She mentioned that though Kazi Nazrul Islam had little formal education but his writings specially songs and poems attracted the people while he was working in different capacities. Ms.Maftuna also said that through his music Nazrul became a household name among the people of the then undivided Bengal. At this point another famous song of Kazi Nazrul Islam “Tumi Shundar” was played.

 

Afterwards, Ms. Rano Nurmatova, Secretary to H.E read the second Key Note article “Narzul and Sufism”. She touched on the importance of the literary works of Kazi Nazrul Islam and pointed out the great influence of Sufi poets of Persia, Central Asia & Turkey in addition to the religious background of his family.

Invited Special Guest Ms.Sipra Ghosh, Counsellor & CDA a.i. of Indian Embassy in Tashkent, expressed her deep respect and appreciation for late Kazi Nazrul Islam and mentioned about Nazrul’s involvement in various independence movements of the subcontinent as well as in the development of Bengali culture of the twentieth century.

Ms. Surayya Rahmanova, PA to H.E. recited a poem on Kazi Nazrul Islam which was written by Uzbek National Poet Erkin Vahidov. 

In his speech, Former Cultural Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr Tursunali Kuziyev paid sincere homage to the souls of late Kazi Nazrul Islam and all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh in 1971. He also stressed upon the role of poetry in cultural upbringing of the young generation globally and how perfectly Kazi Nazrul Islam inspired them with his writings.  

Ms. Sayyora Rahimova, Honorary Cultural Aide of H.E. read the poem “Nari” of Kazi Nazrul Islam in Bangla followed by Ambassador Mosud Mannan who recited a part of “Bidrohi”. “Ami chirotore dure chole jabo” by famous singer Feroza Begum was played at this point.

Before concluding, Mr. Yousuf Nizami A.O (Accounts) of the Bangladesh Embassy made special prayers for the salvation of the departed soul of Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Through Zoom platform few Nazrul admirers of South Asian countries attended the event.

A special program was brought out on the occasion. The program ended with the serving of refreshments.