Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury joined a colourful cultural programme at Bahadur Shah Park in Dhaka. Photo : Ministry

DHAKA, August 31, 2026 (BSS) – Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was not only the national poet but also a poet of consciousness, equality and humanity.

“His writings were a powerful instrument of protest against injustice, exploitation and subjugation,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a colourful cultural programme at Bahadur Shah Park here.

The Dhaka district administration organised the programme with Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom in the chair.

The minister said Nazrul’s literature and philosophy inspire the new generation to become secular, patriotic and humane citizens.

“Therefore, Nazrul should not be confined to textbooks or cultural programmes. His ideals should be made part of the daily lives of the young generation,” he added.

Farida Khanom said Nazrul’s ideals should not remain confined to literary and cultural practices; rather, his principles of equality, humanity and communal harmony should be reflected in social and personal life.

“Who wins today is not the most important thing. The greatest achievement of this event is that students are getting acquainted with Nazrul’s literature, philosophy and human values and getting an opportunity to imbibe his spirit,” she said.

Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Kaniz Moula, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Md Moniruzzaman Mia and Bangladesh Nationalist Social Cultural Organisation (JASAS) President Helal Khan attended the programme as special guests.

Students, teachers, guardians, political and cultural personalities were also present.
Following the inaugural session, students participated in poetry recitation, Nazrul songs and various competitions based on Nazrul’s literary works.

The organisers said the competitions, arranged as part of ‘Nazrul Year’, aim to introduce the new generation to the literature, music and philosophy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and foster among them the values of equality, humanity, patriotism and communal harmony.