A discussion titled "July  Uprising: The Legacy of Kazi Nazrul" was held at North South University (NSU) today. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 2, 2025 (BSS)- A thought-provoking discussion titled "July 
Uprising: The Legacy of Kazi Nazrul" was held at North South University (NSU) 
here today.

The event likely focused on how Kazi Nazrul Islam's works and revolutionary 
spirit inspired and guided the student movement in 2024, particularly the 
"July Uprising". 

Vice-Chancellor (VC) of NSU Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury chaired the 
event while Prof of NSU's Department of History and Philosophy Salimullah 
Khan, Editor of Daily Jugantor Poet Abdul Hye Sikder, Prof of Department of 
Political Science and Sociology Mahbubur Rahman and National Award-winning 
reciter Nasim Ahmed from the Nazrul Institute were present.
 
Prof Mahbubur Rahman inaugurated the programme, stating, "Kazi Nazrul Islam 
had a rebellious voice that spoke out against bigotry and was a passionate 
advocate for religious harmony, peace and justice. He is a symbol of the 
indomitable human spirit."

Prof Salimullah Khan remarked, "Although Kazi Nazrul Islam's works were 
composed over a century ago, they feel as if they were written recently and 
continue to impact current generations. He had a brief literary career 
spanning less than 25 years, during which he produced an exceptional body of 
poems and songs. If I had to describe Kazi Nazrul Islam's works in three 
words, they would be humanity, independence and respect."

Poet Abdul Hye Sikder said paying tribute to the martyrs of the July 
uprising, "Among his global peers and contemporaries, that included George 
Bernard Shaw, Robert Frost, and Virginia Woolf, Kazi Nazrul Islam not only 
excelled in one field, but shone across many. His works possessed an 
incredible range, encompassing emotion and reason, science and faith, and 
modernity and heritage."

"It is a testament to how gifted an artist Kazi Nazrul Islam was that he 
managed to combine all these elements in complete harmony. Without the words 
of Kazi Nazrul Islam, we would not have the language to describe the July 
movement," he added.

Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, "I solemnly remember all those who lost 
their lives in the July Revolution. I hold deep respect for Kazi Nazrul Islam 
and his works, which inspired our youth and brought the nation together in 
spirit during that troubling time."

Following the dialogue, Nasim Ahmed recited Kazi Nazrul Islam's iconic poem 
"Bidrohi". 

The programme concluded with musical performances of Nazrul's songs by NSU 
students.