Photo: BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Aug 12, 2026 (BSS) - Jahangirnagar University (JU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan has said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman shared an inclusive vision of national identity that transcended religious, ethnic and social divisions.

"While Nazrul said, 'They are two flowers on the same stem, Hindu and Muslim', Ziaur Rahman said, 'You may be Hajong, Chakma or whatever you want to be, you are Bangladeshi.' This inclusive philosophy is their greatest similarity," he said.

The VC made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled "The Working Lives of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in the Year of Nazrul" held at the Dr Muhammad Enamul Haque Bhaban of Bangla Academy in the capital yesterday.

World Wide Writers Association and International Publishing House jointly organised the discussion.

Professor Kamrul Ahsan said the concepts of identity articulated by Nazrul and Ziaur Rahman were founded on inclusion rather than division.

"Let us conduct ourselves in such a way that the person beside us feels peaceful in our presence," he said.

Recalling Ziaur Rahman's role in arranging Nazrul's burial, the JU VC said Zia took the initiative to have the National Poet buried beside the Central Mosque of Dhaka University.

"Through this, Ziaur Rahman made Nazrul a permanent part of our national heritage. It was not merely a formal arrangement; rather, it reflected his deep love for the poet," he said.

Referring to the country's recent political context, Professor Kamrul Ahsan quoted BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as saying on August 5, "Victory becomes glorious only when the defeated are safe with the victors."

"Perhaps following this policy of inclusive politics and drawing on his father's memory, mother's memory and his own experiences, he (Tarique Rahman) made the statement with the intention of creating a Bangladesh that is liveable for all," the JU VC said.