Dhakae Nazrul

Dancers performing at the event

In his speech, Dr Ashraf Siddiqui, The chairman of Nazrul Institute Trusty Board, said, "Nazrul is one of the most popular poets of his time. The aim of Nazrul Institute is to collect and preserve the works of the national poet, which can play a vital role to mold the lives of the new generation."

Sadek Hossain Khoka, Mayor of Dhaka City Corporation, was the chief guest of the event. Focusing the importance of Nazrul in our National life, Khoka said. "It is the duty of our nation to pay due respect to our National poet and in accordance with the plan of Nazrul Institute, pragmatic steps will be taken to uphold Nazrul's values and beliefs."

The programme was presided over Selima Rahman, State Minister of Cultural Affairs, while ANM Ehsanul Haque, State Minister of Education, was the special guest. Selima Rahman said, "Nazrul's creations manifest freedom, Muslim renaissance and rebellion against any kind of injustice. He has been an eternal inspiration for Bangalees.

Eminent Nazrul exponent, Professor Abul Kalam Manzur Morshed, Director General of Bangla Academy was the key discussant of this programme. In his speech he said, "Nazruls's life and poetic works are awe-inspiring and fascinating. He was a versatile genius who stepped into every medium of Bangla literature very profoundly. He first visited Dhaka in 1925 as he was invited by the Muslim Shahitto Shomaj, a progressive student organisation and since then he came here on frequent visits."

The grand daughter of the poet, Khilkhil Kazi reminisced on her grandfather. The programme also featured poet Abdul Hye Shikdar, Executive Director of Nazrul Institute. He said, "Like water, air and light are essential for human beings, Nazrul is indispensable for our nation. The preservation of his works is necessary not just for our sake but for the sake of our next generation as well."