On the occasion of the 113th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bangla Academy organised a speech and cultural programme at the Seminar Room of the academy on May 22. Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of Bangla Academy, delivered the welcome speech at the programme. Eminent singer and Nazrul Sangeet exponent Feroza Begum delivered the key speech on the 'rebel poet'. Professor Anisuzzaman, president of the academy, presided over the programme.

Shamsuzzaman Khan said, “Nazrul epitomises the spirit of revolution. Through his poetry, he fought against communalism, colonialism, exploitation and bigotry. He remains a source of inspiration in our daily lives.”

Feroza Begum said, “We should always remember the poet as a pure humanist. I was attracted to his mystic quality since childhood. I was born in a culturally oriented family where music had been practiced with great enthusiasm. Unexpectedly, I was introduced to him (Nazrul) in Calcutta (now Kolkata). After my introduction to him, I got the opportunity to learn music from him. Nazrul had this innate ability to involve people with his music. During the Partition and when his sudden illness was detected, I was away from him but he was always on my mind. Nazrul's music always takes me to this divine, beautiful world. My life and Nazrul's songs have become one. We should take up the endeavour of generating mass interest in his literature, songs and philosophy.”

Anisuzzaman said, “The poet is survived by his music and poetry. His songs should reverberate in all corners of the country.”

Artiste of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK), Ashraful Alam, recited Nazrul poems at the programme. Singers Dr. Nashid Kamal, Sujit Mostafa, Priyanka Gope, Dr. Asit Roy, among others, rendered Nazrul's songs.