Poetry recitation to commemorate Nazrul

(R-L) Poet Al Mahmud and Abdul Hai Shikdar, Executive Director, Nazrul Institute at the programme

Chaired by veteran poet Al Mahmud, the special guests of the programme were Alamgir Kabir, State Minister of Housing and Public Work and Amanullah Kabir, the editor of Amar Desh. After the welcome speech by Abdul Hai Shikdar, the Executive Director of the institute, poets recited their poems on Nazrul. Among the other popular poets Fazal Shahabuddin, Belal Chowdhury, Shihab Sarkar, Asad Choudhury, Sajjad Kadir and Shamudra Gupta were also present.

In his special speech on the National Poet, Al Mahmud said, "Nazrul brought about a massive transformation in the theme and language of Bangla poems. Nazrul's spirit and conscience still has a strong impact on present poets." Al Mahmud also recited the poem Thy Helen by Edgar Allan Poe.

Belal Chowdhury said, "Some of the promising poets have written quality poetry on contemporary themes. However, it is quite disappointing that today, a limited number of poets are being able to write anything unique or striking. Most of the poems do not have the required depth. The features that make a poem popular are present in these poems but none of them are exclusive."

The 5-day programme will conclude today with the special discussion session on the topic Birds as a theme in Nazrul's Literary Works followed by a cultural programme and prize distribution of the competitions organised by the institute.