In remembrance of National Professor Rafiqul Islam

National Professor Rafiqul Islam, one of the most distinguished researchers on National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, passed away yesterday at the capital's Evercare Hospital. He was an educationalist, a scholar, writer, and cultural activist. The 87-year-old was the recipient of both Swadhinata Padak and Ekushey Padak, the highest civilian honours in the country. Numerous Nazrul Sangeet exponents fondly spoke about the National Professor with The Daily Star.

Khairul Anam Shakil. Photo: Star

 "I have never known anyone who was as curious about Kazi Nazrul Islam's creations as Rafiqul Islam was. His contribution to research on Nazrul is unparalleled. He played a key role in making Nazrul's work accessible to the public," said Khairul Anam Shakil, General Secretary, Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha. "Rafiqul Islam dedicated his life to making Nazrul's work known not just in Bangladesh, but all over the world. He was especially happy to lend a hand to those who wanted to learn about the National Poet. He has instilled an interest about Kazi Nazrul Islam amongst the younger generations. As an exponent of Nazrul Sangeet, I will be forever grateful to him." 

Sadya Afreen Mallick. Photo: Star

"He was one of the pillars of our community, in terms of research on National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. We have lost a truly important personality," shared eminent Nazrul Sangeet exponent Sadya Afreen Mallick.

Yasmin Mushtari. Photo: Collected

Renowned Nazrul Sangeet exponent Yasmin Mushtari, daughter of Talim Hussain, eminent poet, journalist, and founder of the Nazrul Academy Talim Hussain, shared that Rafiqul Islam was like a father to her. "I feel truly helpless now that Rafiqul Islam is no more with us. He will be a guiding light for the new generations of Nazrul Sangeet singers, and I hope that we are able to give his contributions the deserved respect," she said.

Fatema Tuz Zohra. Photo: Star

"I was really shocked to learn about his demise. Rafiqul bhai was a guardian to me; I was close to him. I pray that he rests in peace," added noted Nazrul Sangeet exponent Fatema Tuz Zohra.