Nazrul Institute promoting culture of commerce?

By Abdul Hannan, Dhanmondi
17 October 2005, 18:00 PM
There was a time when I felt proud to be a neighbour of the Nazrul Institute, popularly known as the Kabi Bhaban in Dhanmondi, the landmark building where poet Nazrul Islam passed the last days of his life before his death. But no more. The Institute has since suffered shocking decline and degeneration. As the Nazrul Institute's three large billboards across roads 11& 15 loudly indicate, its 'auditorium is for hire'-- an open ended all purpose invitation. The Institute apparently has now descended to become an income generating concern to promote a culture of commerce blurring its original objective to promote the culture of Nazrul Research.

What is outrageous and unconscionable is that the Nazrul Institute administration is now renting out its auditorium to teen age boys and girls for performance of high pitched pop, rock and disco band music accompanied by an orgy of full blast, boisterous and deafening drum beatings, on week days, even during office hours for rehearsal-- completely impervious to disturbance to Institute's office work, peace of the departed soul of the poet and calm and tranquility of the immediate neighbourhood.

I draw the attention of the Cultural Affairs Ministry to intervene, investigate and stop forthwith this practice which defiles the sanctity of the Institute and taints its reputation, desecrates the honour and memory of the poet and savors of bad taste and ill judgment. If the Institute at all is in dire need to raise funds for its sustenance, it could rent out its auditorium sparingly and selectively on weekends only to cultural organisations dedicated to the promotion of Nazrul, Tagore and other modern songs and classical and folk music.

I am writing this letter with no malice but out of deep regard and reverence for the rebel poet.