The 113th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be celebrated across the country today.

On this occasion, Bangladesh and India jointly organise a two-day programme in the capital.

The programme, beginning today, will also mark the 90th anniversary of the publication of Nazrul's most famed creation “Bidrohi”.

The celebration of the day will start through offering flowers at the poet's grave on Dhaka University campus in the morning.

The inaugural ceremony of the programme will start at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) at 9:30am.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the programme while Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad will preside over the function.

President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages paying deep respect to the memory of the rebel poet yesterday evening, reports UNB.

In his message, Zillur Rahman expressed his firm hope that the ideals and spirit of Nazrul will provide inspirations towards establishing peace, justice and humanity in society.

“Nazrul's name will remain ever shining in the history of Bengali language and literature,” he said.

In a similar message, Hasina said Nazrul was a poet of equality, humanity and youth. “He was blessed with extra-ordinary talent and amazing mental strength,” she said.

“I pray for the salvation of his departed soul and wish all success for all programmes chalked out to celebrate his 113th birth anniversary,” she added.

The decision to observe the anniversary in Dhaka was taken during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh last year.

To attend the programme as guest of honour, Indian Minister for Law and Justice and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid arrived in the capital yesterday, reports our diplomatic correspondent.

The inaugural event at BICC will feature music renditions, recitations and dance based on the poem “Bidrohi” -- by noted artistes of the country.

Discussion and cultural performances will be held at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the evening. Poet Muhammad Nurul Huda will read out a keynote paper in the session, while Prof Mohit-ul-Alam and Nabarun Bhattacharya of India will discuss on the paper.

Prof Emeritus Serajul Islam Chowdhury will preside over the session.

Tomorrow, the programme will begin through a discussion at the National Theatre Hall.

Dr Lina Taposhi Khan will read out the keynote paper, while Dr Nashid Kamal, Salauddin Ahmed and Badhan Sengupta of India will discuss on the topic.

Prof Mohammad Abdul Quayum will preside over the session.