Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki today unveiled the book Quintessence of Nazrul, the English translation of Kazi Nazrul Islam's works, as the chief guest in the capital. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - Quintessence of Nazrul, the English translation of Kazi Nazrul Islam's works, was unveiled today to promote the global reach of the national poet's literary contributions.

Marking the unveiling, a publication ceremony and cultural programme was organised by the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute at its auditorium this noon.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki attended the event as the chief guest and unveiled the book.

The Institute's executive director Md Latiful Islam Shibli presided over the event. 

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki thanked all involved in the translation work, saying, "It is a very good initiative to translate the works of Nazrul into English to take him to the global stage. Now it is more important to disseminate it. We often see that a book is produced and remains confined within the country. We must think about how to present it to people abroad."

He also advised the Institute to arrange events centred on the book so that people worldwide could engage with the poet's works.

Urging the Institute to continue such initiatives, he added, "After we leave, whichever government is elected, I believe that the cultural journey that began in Bangladesh after the 2024 Mass Uprising, which is wholly Bangladesh-focused and rooted in self-respect, will continue, and I am confident they will uphold it."

Renowned Nazrul researcher and Nazrul Award recipient Prof Irshad Ahmed Shaheen delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the depth and significance of Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's works.

"When I present Nazrul on the world stage, audiences are amazed by his work and recognize its unique features. It is a great achievement by the Institute to take both Nazrul and Bangla literature to the global stage," he said.

Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md Mofidur Rahman, the poet's granddaughter and Chairperson of the Trustee Board of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute Khilkhil Kazi, and Prof Dr Tazin Aziz Chowdhury of the University of Dhaka addressed the event as special guests. 

A cultural segment followed, featuring solo musical performances by Yakub Ali Khan, Dr Nashid Kamal, Ferdous Ara, and Salauddin Ahmed. Group music was performed by trainee artistes of the Institute, while an English solo recitation segment was presented by Nasim Ahmed and Shima Islam.