Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali  Newaz Mahmood Khyom visited the Kabi Nazrul Institute in Dhaka today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 16, 2026 (BSS) - A high-level Translation Committee will be formed to translate the literary works of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam 
into major world languages to expand their global reach, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said today.

The announcement came during a visit to the Kabi Nazrul Institute in Dhaka by the Minister for Cultural Affairs and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali 
Newaz Mahmood Khyom. 

During the visit, the ministers inspected the institute's library, various departments, and both old and newly constructed buildings, while reviewing 
its overall activities and literary and memorial collections dedicated to the National Poet.

Following the inspection, the Cultural Affairs Minister chaired a meeting with institute officials as the chief guest and issued policy directives 
regarding the institute's future activities.

He emphasized the importance of translating the timeless works of Kazi Nazrul Islam into major global languages so that his literary philosophy can reach 
readers worldwide.

To achieve this goal, he directed the formation of a high-level Translation Committee. It was proposed that the Executive Director of the Kabi Nazrul 
Institute serve as member-secretary, while the Director General of Bangla Academy, the Director of the National Book Centre, and renowned singer Dr. 
Nashid Kamal would be included as members.

The minister also expressed interest in visiting Churulia in West Bengal, India, the birthplace of Kazi Nazrul Islam, during the upcoming Nazrul Year. 
He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative present at the meeting to initiate necessary diplomatic and administrative procedures for a 
possible state-level visit.

He further stressed the need for urgent renovation of the institute's old building and the swift relocation of official activities to the newly 
constructed facility.

State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom highlighted the long-pending vacancies at the institute and sought explanations for delays in recruitment. He 
directed officials to initiate immediate steps to fill all vacant posts in order to make the institution more dynamic and efficient.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula, the Executive Director of the institute, and other officials and researchers were also present at the 
meeting.