BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed today said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam had inspired all major movements in Bangladesh, from the Liberation War to the July 2024 mass uprising.

“From our independence war to our democratic movements of the 1990s and the mass uprising of July 2024, young people, teenagers and children who took to the streets and helped uproot brutal authoritarianism and end misrule did so while singing Nazrul’s songs. Nazrul gave them great strength,” he said.

Rizvi made the remarks after paying tribute to Kazi Nazrul Islam at the poet’s grave on the Dhaka University campus this morning, marking the 50th death anniversary of the national poet.

He described Nazrul as a poet who brought an end to one era and ushered in another.

“Not only did Kazi Nazrul Islam stand against social injustice and inequality, but he also defied the threats of the colonial power entrenched in the state machinery and sounded the first notes of independence in this subcontinent. He spread new ideas and the message of revolution,” he said.

Rizvi said Nazrul’s works continue to inspire people whenever they face oppression, persecution and tyranny or when despair surrounds them.

“When we are still subjected to oppression, persecution and torture, when we see despair all around us and fascism spreading across the sky of our country, Kazi Nazrul Islam, his poems and songs have taught us to protest and inspired us,” he said.

“No matter how great the chains or shackles are, no matter how severe the sword of oppression may be, Kazi Nazrul Islam is our principal source of inspiration and driving force to uproot that sword, break the chains, take to the streets, remove injustice and establish justice,” he added.

“Even today, we walk the path carrying Nazrul’s writings, literary works and message in our hearts. They make us fearless and give us the courage to move forward. Nazrul is one of our sources of strength in protesting against injustice,” he said.

National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam breathed his last at Bangladesh Medical University Hospital on August 27, 1976. He was buried beside the Central Mosque of Dhaka University with state honours.

On his death anniversary, people from different walks of life thronged his grave on the Dhaka University campus to pay tribute to the poet.

Leaders and activists of different political parties, along with the Dhaka University vice-chancellor, teachers, students and people from all sections of society, placed floral wreaths at his grave and paid their respects.