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.
Kazi Nazrul Islam, according to Kazi Abdul Wadud (1895-1970), perhaps the first formidable critic who took him seriously, “was the first writer among Bengali Muslims of the modern era who was able to conquer the hearts of Hindus and Muslims alike of Bengal.”
Today marks the 125th birth anniversary of our national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam. His stories and novels, which still inspire numerous films, have led to Bangladeshi productions being crafted around his ideas. Prominent Bangladeshi actresses, notably Rozina, Moushumi, and Purnima, have played significant roles in these adaptations. The occasion of the day thus calls for a recollection of their contributions to Nazrul-inspired cinema.
Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh, turned the hardships of poverty and betrayal into profound sources of creative inspiration. He embraced his grief and expressed it through the evocative rhythms of his poetry and the melodies of his music. His works capture the pain of betrayal, alongside deep expressions of love and a relentless pursuit of equality.
I am a poet because you love me
“I sing the song of equality– Of a country where fresh joy blossoms in every heart
Gems of Nazrul has crafted its 31st artistic music video "Joy Hok”, in commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam this year. This video is centred on several iconic Nazrul songs that ignited the spirits of the youth during the anti-colonial era and the 1971 War of Independence.
This year, four veteran figures are set to be honoured with the Nazrul Padak, as announced by the Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University. The recipients of the award include renowned Nazrul Sangeet artistes Dalia Nausheen and Salahuddin Ahmed, alongside esteemed researchers Dr Gulshan Ara Kazi and Anupam Hayat.
A biopic chronicling the life of the revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam has received official approval in Kolkata’s film industry. The avant-garde project will be helmed by director Abdul Alim, with actor Kinjal Nanda slated to take on the mantle of the titular character of Nazrul on screen.
Coke Studio Bangla has launched a new video song featuring eminent poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s “Karar Oi Louho Kabat", in its original tune sung by young students from numerous educational institutions of the country, to commemorate the 53rd Victory Day.
Debates surrounding the original tunes of the rebel poet’s verses have existed for a long time.
