The 43rd death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed in a befitting manner today.

The poet breathed his last at the then PG Hospital, now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital in the city, on 12 Bhadra of Bangla calendar year in 1383 (August 29, 1976).

In accordance with a wish which he had expressed in one of his poems, he was buried beside the central mosque of Dhaka University.

Different political parties, socio-cultural and professional bodies observed the death anniversary through various programmes.

The programmes of the day began with Qurankhwani after Fazr prayers at the Dhaka University (DU) Central Mosque adjacent to the grave of the national poet. Later, teachers, students, officers and employees of the university assembled at the foot of ‘Aparajeyo Bangla’ sculpture from where a procession led by Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman proceeded towards the grave of the poet at 7:15 am.

They paid glowing tributes to the poet by placing wreaths at his grave.

Besides, special prayers (fateha) were offered at the poet’s grave seeking eternal peace of his departed soul.

A discussion along with a cultural programme was held with DU VC in the chair.

Nazrul researcher and National Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam, Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) President Professor ASM Maksud Kamal and DU Treasurer Prof Dr Kamal Uddin addressed the discussion, among others.

Bangla Academy organised a solo speech at 4:00pm marking the day with Professor Dr. Anisuzzaman in the chair.

Awami League leaders and workers paid rich tributes to the poet by placing floral wreaths at his grave in the morning while a special prayer was also offered for Nazrul on DU Central Mosque premises.

Besides, leaders of Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote arranged programmes including discussion, musical show and recitation on the poet.

Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, and other private television channels and radio stations aired special programmes while the national dailies published special supplements marking the day.

Nazrul was a poet, lyricist, musician and philosopher.

The nation got inspirations from Nazrul’s poems and songs during the great Liberation War and all democratic movements and struggles.

Nazrul wrote nearly 3,000 songs and composed many of them which are known as Nazrul-Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet.

After the independence of Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought the poet to Dhaka from Kolkata along with his family.

Then, Bangabandhu provided a residence for the family of the poet in the city’s Dhanmondi.

In January 1976, he was accorded the citizenship of Bangladesh.