Nazrul's Pen Was a Powerful Weapon Against Colonial Rule, Oppression: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s pen was a sharp weapon against colonial rule, oppression, exploitation, inequality, discrimination, superstition and every form of injustice and ugliness.

“Nazurl was a rare genius whose influence has been immense throughout every stage of the nation's life,” he said while virtually inaugurating the year-long "Nazrul Year 2026–2027" programme at a meeting organized by the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning.

The prime minister said Poet Nazrul Islam is one of those extraordinary individuals whose impact on our socio-economic, political, literary, cultural, moral and intellectual life is profound. From our adolescence to adulthood, Nazrul's influence remains immeasurable.

The government has declared the period from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, as "Nazrul Year." It was also announced at the programme that the feasibility of declaring Trishal in Mymensingh—closely associated with the poet's life and memories—as "Nazrul City" is being examined.

Describing Kazi Nazrul Islam with various honorifics, the prime minister said the Rebel Poet, the Poet of Love, the Poet of Youth, and the Poet of Bangladesh's heritage—Kazi Nazrul Islam is an unforgettable name in the national literary and cultural history. 

His emergence in the destiny of a subjugated, oppressed and defeated nation was like a guiding beacon, the prime minister said.

"Whether revolutionary and patriotic songs, Islamic culture and values, devotional  ‘Bhajans’ and ‘Kirtans’, ‘Shyama Sangeet’, love, nature, human values, the joys of childhood or the passion of youth—Nazrul gave us the purest expression in every sphere," he added.

Highlighting Nazrul as one of the foremost inspirations in cultivating love for the motherland, he said our lives, hopes, aspirations, dreams, struggles, literature, culture, history and heritage have found majestic expression in his writings. 

“His creativity embraces people of all ages and all generations. He continues to inspire us to stand against injustice and oppression. His relevance will never diminish," the premier added.