DHAKA, Aug 25, 2021 (BSS) – The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have chalked out programmes to observe the 45th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Friday.

Following health guidelines and maintaining distance, the programmes will begin with Quran Khwani after Fajr prayers at the university’s central mosque, said a DU press release here today.

DU teachers, students, officers and employees will assemble at “Aparajeyo Bangla” in front of Kala Bhaban at 7:00 am on the day and bring out a procession from there and march towards the mazar of the poet adjacent to the university’s central mosque.

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman will lead the procession to place wreath at the grave of the poet. A dua mahfil will also be held for the eternal peace of the rebel poet.

Later, a discussion will be held at university’s Abdul Matin Chowdhury virtual classroom with Prof Akhtaruzzaman in the chair. National Professor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam will address the discussion as an expert on Nazrul's works.

Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh was born 24 May 1899 in the village of Churulia, Asansol Sadar, Paschim Bardhaman district of the Bengal Presidency (now in West Bengal, India). He died in Dhaka on August 29 in 1976.

He produced a large body of poetry and music with themes that included religious devotion and rebellion against oppression and was awarded an Honorary D Litt by the University of Dhaka in 1974, Ekushey Padak in 1976,  Jagattarini Gold Medal in 1945 – the highest honour for work in Bengali literature by the University of Calcutta – and the Padma Bhushan in 1960.

Nazrul was buried beside a mosque on Dhaka University campus as per his wish.