Nazrul gets recognition as national poet

Kazi Nazrul Islam, long celebrated as the national poet of Bangladesh, has received formal state recognition.

As per an order of the President, a gazette signed by Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Ministry was issued on Thursday (January 2), declaring Kazi Nazrul Islam as Bangladesh’s national poet. 

Earlier on December 5, the Advisory Council approved a proposal to publish a gazette declaring Kazi Nazrul Islam as Bangladesh's national poet. 

Although Kazi Nazrul Islam has been widely recognised as the national poet since 1987, the status lacked official acknowledgment beyond mentions in the Poet Kazi Nazrul Institute Act. The current interim government, formed after the August 5 mass uprising, has prioritized reforms, including this historic recognition. 

Born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia of Burdwan in West Bengal, Kazi Nazrul Islam was a prolific poet, novelist, lyricist, composer, and editor. His literary career, spanning just 23 years, produced an unparalleled wealth of work, cementing his legacy as one of Bengal's most influential figures.