The government has officially recognized Kazi Nazrul Islam as the National Poet of Bangladesh, effective from May 24, 1972—the date of his arrival in the country.
A gazette notification issued today by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs stated, “In accordance with the proposal approved at the December meeting of the Advisory Council, poet Kazi Nazrul Islam has been declared the National Poet of Bangladesh.” The proposal was finalized during the Advisory Council’s meeting on December 5.
Md Latiful Islam Shibli, Executive Director of the Kabi Nazrul Institute, expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative. He remarked, “This historic decision of the interim government fulfills a long-standing demand of the people and socio-cultural organizations. Despite years of public expectation, no previous government took this step.”
He added that various organizations and Nazrul devotees have long advocated for this recognition, often taking their demands from the streets to the courts. The issue was even discussed in the national parliament, though earlier proposals were dismissed. Although the gazette was published on December 24, it was officially received on Thursday (January 02).
Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, along with his family, arrived in Dhaka from Kolkata on May 24, 1972, through a government initiative. The poet was allocated a residence at 330-B, Road 28 (Old), Dhanmondi. He was later granted Bangladeshi citizenship on February 18, 1976, and was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in the same year.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in honoring the legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam, celebrated for his contributions to literature and the cultural identity of Bangladesh.
