The first “Nazrul Rock Concert 2025” took place last evening, marking the launch of a new album by the Nazrul Institute. As part of this initiative, the institute has released 10 songs of rebellion and awakening by National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, reimagined and performed by 10 different Bangladeshi bands.
To commemorate the 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh, the cultural platform Gems of Nazrul hosted a musical tribute titled “Ontorey Tumi Acho Chirodin” this evening. The event brought together prominent Nazrul exponents and emerging voices to celebrate the poet’s diverse musical repertoire and reflect on his unparalleled contributions to Bengali music.
Departing from the usual commemorative fare of patriotic or devotional pieces, the concert spotlighted Nazrul’s lesser-explored work in the thumri genre, revealing his artistic range as a composer unafraid to traverse genres and expand musical language. Both celebrated vocalists and promising young talents took the stage, honouring the legacy while pushing it forward.
Today marks the 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh. A powerful force in Bengali literature and culture, Nazrul's fiery words, revolutionary spirit, and undying call for equality continue to resonate in the hearts of millions. In honour of his life and legacy, a vibrant array of nationwide events and television programmes has been organised, celebrating Nazrul’s timeless contribution.
Creative blocks mirror nature’s barren phases, yet chaos and stillness birth inspiration. True creativity resists control, flowing from instinct and emotion. In its wild, sacred moments, we connect deeply—with self, soul, and the art of becoming.
The mind craves to fly far away. / In the guise of a beggar, eyes wet with tears
In tribute to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s birth anniversary, a new album titled “The Nazrul Tapes—Reflected by Jahid Nirob” reimagines four of his classic songs. Musician Jahid Nirob has infused the timeless compositions with modern arrangements, blending electronic elements to reinterpret Nazrul’s works through a contemporary lens.
Notable Indian artistes participating in this event include Shreeradha Bandyopadhyay, Manomay Bhattacharya, Pandit Tushar Dutta, Brajeswar Mukherjee, and Payel Kar. Among the distinguished Bangladeshi artistes lending their voices to this initiative are Yakub Ali Khan, Khairul Anam Shakil, Ferdous Ara, Nashid Kamal, and Yasmin Mushtari.
The album is being produced under the supervision of the Kabi Nazrul Institute. According to Latiful Islam Shibli, the institute's executive director and a renowned writer and lyricist, the album will feature performances by 20 leading bands from the country and is expected to be released within the next six months.
The question here should be: Why does the nationality of the poet matter if the sentiment and emotional dimensions are the central focus that keeps the dynamic of a national anthem active?
Eternity collapses at the wheel of change. / Past is lost
If such writers lived in, and contributed to the literary legacy of, other countries, I will offer a compromise and propose a hyphenated identity.
A film about the national poet of Bangladesh is currently being produced in West Bengal. Tollywood producer Abdul Alim is behind the project, which is titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam”.
Translated by Mohammad Shafiqul Islam
Today, August 27, marks the 48th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, a day of reflection and tribute across the nation. Among the many commemorations, Desh Natok, a prominent theatre group, will stage two plays at the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti to honour the legendary poet.
Recently, the Chandler Community Centre in Melbourne came alive with the programme titled "Shompurno Nazrul" — a solo musical event presented by the musical organisation Surlok.
What can songs do? A lot, actually! They can win hearts and also aid in unsettling an entire system and dethroning the powerful. We have been reminded of the latter during the recent student protests and a powerful reminder it was as the Gen Z of Bangladesh took old, patriotic songs and used them in a modern context.
Review of ‘Bidrohi Puran’ (Pendulum Books, 2024) by Arif Rahman
Highlighting the universal appeal of Nazrul's poetry, Dr Kamal, who is also a poet, stressed the need to expand translation efforts to present the rich literary heritage of Bengal on the global stage. He urged bringing masterpieces of Bangla literature, including Nazrul's transcendent works, to readers across the world through high-quality translations. This would not only honour the genius of pioneers like the Rebel Poet but also facilitate a wider appreciation and understanding of the region's literary and cultural legacy among international audiences.
