Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Aug 31, 2026 (BSS) - A cultural competition was inaugurated in Dighalia upazila of the district today as part of the 'Nazrul Year' celebrations commemorating National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, in line with 
directives of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The programme, organised by the Dighalia upazila administration, began at 10am at the conference room of the Upazila Parishad with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sujon Das Gupta in the chair while Assistant Programmer 
Pushpendu Das conducted it.

Speakers at the event highlighted various aspects of Nazrul's literary works, including his ideals of equality, humanity, patriotism and secularism.

They said Nazrul's literature and philosophy remain a major source of Bengali identity, free thinking and secular values. 

They stressed the need for concerted efforts to spread his messages of equality and humanity among the younger generation.

Among others, Upazila Family Planning Officer Dr Md Mahbubul Alam, Upazila Engineer Abu Tarek Saiful Kamal, Senior Fisheries Officer Snigdha Kha Bably, Agriculture Officer Krishibid Shafiqul Islam, Youth Development Officer Md Moinam Khan, Project Implementation Officer Md Jamal Hossain, Social Services 
Officer Md Sohag Hossain, Election Officer Humayra Parvin, Academic Supervisor Maksuda Khanam, Upazila Press Club President Syed Zahiduzzaman and Dighalia Press Club Vice-President Engineer Wahid Murad attended the programme.

Representatives of different government offices, teachers and students of educational institutions, cultural activists and local dignitaries were also present.

Before the discussion, participants presented recitations of Nazrul's poems, songs and other cultural performances. Students and cultural activists took part in the programmes.

The speakers said that the new generation should be brought up with Nazrul's creativity, humanism and secular outlook. His literature and philosophy can play an important role in establishing equality, harmony and humanitarian values in society, they added.

The Dighalia Upazila Administration expressed expectations of organising various literary, cultural and educational programmes throughout the year marking Nazrul Year. 

It also announced plans to arrange larger-scale cultural events as part of the celebrations.