Promote National Poet Nazrul Islam's Work Nationwide and Establish Cultural Centers Abroad

Experts and artists have called for greater promotion of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's works through educational curricula, research, publications, and digital platforms to introduce him more widely both domestically and internationally. They suggest that presenting his songs and creations in public spaces like buses, trains, and airplanes could significantly broaden his philosophy's reach. These proposals emerged during a 'Nazrul Year' artist gathering and discussion meeting organized by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the National Art Gallery auditorium on Sunday, under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The academy has planned year-long programs for 'Nazrul Year 2026-2027' to make them impactful and engaging for future generations. Participants emphasized expanding Nazrul talent hunts, workshops, and research activities beyond the capital to district and divisional levels, and proposed establishing 'Nazrul Cultural Centers' abroad. They stressed the urgency of increasing Nazrul studies from primary schools to universities and district Shilpakala academies, advocating for a broader approach beyond just songs, poems, and dances to include instrumental music, seminars, and training to inspire new generations in authentic Nazrul practice. The need for continuity of 'Nazrul Year' programs beyond the current year was also highlighted. Additional suggestions included strengthening the preservation and research of Nazrul's works, expanding his literature and music on media and digital platforms, building monuments in public areas, establishing a Nazrul Cultural Museum, and creating a theme song for 'Nazrul Year.' Opportunities for emerging artists alongside established ones were also requested. Minister of Cultural Affairs, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, noted the role of culture and cultural education in building a society free from drugs, fundamentalism, and extremism, and highlighted the importance of introducing the new generation to various Bengali cultural streams, including Lalun, Baul, and Bhatiali, and incorporating more of Kazi Nazrul Islam's writings into primary school textbooks. State Minister for Cultural Affairs, Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khaiyam, was a special guest, while Jatiya Nationalist Social and Cultural Organization (JASAS) convener Helal Khan was an honored guest. The event was presided over by Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Kaniz Mowla, and a vote of thanks was given by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin stated that the academy has undertaken various year-long programs for 'Nazrul Year 2026-2027' and that the discussion aimed to ensure their broad, participatory, and public-oriented implementation, with participant suggestions to be considered. Approximately four hundred vocalists, dancers, recitation artists, and Nazrul researchers from various mediums across the country participated, with notable speakers including Lubna Mariam, Ferdous Ara, Khairul Anam Shakil, Kalpana Anam, Sadia Afrin Mallick, Fatema Tuz Johra, Professor Nasheed Kamal, Yakub Ali Khan, Gazi Abdul Hakim, Sujit Mostofa, Seema Islam, A F M Hayat Ullah, Saju Ahmed, and Priyanka Gope.