Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki speaking in the inauguration ceremony on national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's birth anniversary celebration programme in Cumilla. Photo: BSS

CUMILLA, May 25, 2025 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said today that the songs and poems of national Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam were the driving force behind the July-August mass uprising.

"Kazi Nazrul Islam became widely relevant during the July movement. After August 5, we entered a new phase of Bangladesh. You will see how Nazrul's poems and songs were even used in wall writings across the country," he said.

He told journalists after inaugurating a three-day national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's birth anniversary celebration programme in the district.

The adviser said that his revolutionary verses played a symbolic and inspirational role during the political upheavals.

He emphasized that the poet's creations continue to serve as a source of strength for the people of Bangladesh, even a century after they were written.

 "The artistic power of Nazrul's songs and poems has become the emotional foundation of the people. A mass uprising has been conducted with that support. It proves that the power of art is the power of Nazrul," Farooki added.

Responding to queries, the cultural affairs adviser also announced plans to produce a biographical film on the national poet and to translate Nazrul's works to reach the global audience.

The government is sincere to protect the memory of Nazrul, he said.

The three-day event features cultural performances, discussions and exhibitions celebrating Nazrul's contributions to literature, music and national identity.

Eminent educationist Dr Salimullah Khan spoke in the event with Cultural Affairs Secretary Mofidur Rahman in the chair.

Executive Director of the Kazi Nazrul Institute Latiful Islam Shibli, Deputy Commissioner Md Amirul Kaiser and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan were present, among others, as special guests.

Earlier, the National Day was inaugurated by the cultural adviser and dignitaries by paying floral tributes to the Nazrul sculpture at the Cumilla District Shilpakala Academy premises.

Four people were awarded with the National Nazrul Padak in recognition of their contributions to Nazrul music and research.