Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -File photo

DHAKA, May 24, 2026 (BSS)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said Kazi Nazrul Islam is an unforgettable name in the national history as his advent in the dark age of a subjugated and oppressed nation was like a beacon of light- like a guiding lighthouse. 

At a time when the dying nation desperately needed an overwhelming talent to awaken, inspire, and empower it toward self-reliance, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was that long-awaited and much-desired genius, the premier said in a message on the eve of the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam to be celebrated tomorrow.

Tarique Rahman paid his rich tribute and love to the poet’s ever-glorious memory, remembered him with endless gratitude and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul.

“The entire life of Kazi Nazrul Islam seemed like a declaration of war- a unique and extraordinary rebellion. This rebellion was against colonial rule, subjugation, oppression, exploitation, inequality, discrimination, superstition, religious fanaticism, communalism, and indeed against all forms of injustice, tyranny, and ugliness,” said the premier.

“No one else has created words more artistically powerful than he did for humanity, freedom, an exploitation-free society, and women’s liberation. 

Nazrul was our first poet, journalist, and political figure to demand complete independence of the subcontinent from colonial rule. His compassion and radiant commitment toward humanity, regardless of nation, religion, race, or tribe, remain unparalleled.

“Nazrul is also one of our foremost guides in loving the motherland. Our lives, hopes, dreams, struggles, literature, culture, history, and heritage have all come alive with majestic beauty in his writings,” said Tarique Rahman. 

The prime minister said his creativity embraces people of all ages and all times. In the fight against injustice and oppression, he remains our greatest inspiration; he said adding Nazrul’s relevance and necessity will never diminish.

During our Liberation War and the July mass uprising, his poems and songs served as a powerful source of inspiration. 

“Likewise, in all our movements and struggles, his creative works became the primary language of protest and resistance. 

He is an inseparable part of our daily life.. His arrival in Bengali poetry and music was as astonishing and unprecedented as a comet,” said Tarique Rahman.

Nazrul made the nation self-confident and laid the foundation of our national literature and culture, he said. 

Truly, Nazrul was the standard-bearer of the national renaissance; the premier said adding that though he is the National Poet of Bangladesh, he is also a spiritual companion to the poor, deprived, and oppressed people across the world.

“Bangladesh and Kazi Nazrul Islam are inseparable entities. Nazrul is also a significant figure in the global assembly of poets,” he said. 

The premier said Nazrul is the true representative of our national identity, the symbol of our national consciousness, and a pioneer of our nationalism. 

“On the birthday of the National Poet, let’s take pledge to erase the shame of injustice, hunger, poverty, and division; to place Bangladesh above all else; to make our independence meaningful; and to dedicate ourselves to building a happy, prosperous, and democratic motherland,” Tarique Rahman said.