DHAKA, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will organise an artists' conference and exchange of views on July 12 to make the year-long 'Nazrul Year 2026-2027' celebrations more inclusive and people-oriented.

The day-long programme will be held at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of the academy from 11:00am to 5:00pm under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, according to a press release.

The conference has been arranged to highlight the outstanding contributions of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam to the nation's cultural life and Bengali literature.

The organisers said the event aims to disseminate the academy's plans for celebrating Nazrul Year across generations and further enrich the programmes by incorporating opinions and suggestions from artists representing different disciplines from across the country.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury is expected to attend the programme as the chief guest. 

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom and Policy and Strategy Adviser to the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, holding the rank of a state minister, will be present as special guests.

Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Kaniz Mowla will preside over the conference.

Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin) will deliver the welcome address, while Academy Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain will offer the vote of thanks.

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has invited artists from across the country to participate in the conference. The organisers expressed hope that artists' active participation and constructive opinions would make the Nazrul Year celebrations more vibrant and meaningful.