Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated Nazrul Year 2026-27, urging harmony, protection of animals, and wider promotion of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s humanistic ideals through nationwide cultural and digital initiatives.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday called for building an inclusive and compassionate society where people of all religions and ethnicities can live safely without fear and where animals are protected from cruelty as he launched the year-long Nazrul Year 2026-27 celebrations.
Speaking virtually from his office at the Secretariat, the prime minister inaugurated the nationwide programme across all 64 districts and 74 selected upazilas to mark the legacy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
“The present government is working to build a state and society where every person, irrespective of religion or race, can live safely and without fear. Not only the safety of human beings, but let us also ensure that no animal falls victim to human cruelty,” Tarique Rahman said.
The prime minister said the wisdom and literary works of Kazi Nazrul Islam have become increasingly relevant in an age shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement.
While artificial intelligence has opened new avenues for knowledge, it has also created risks of moral decline among younger generations, he said.
Rahman said Nazrul’s poems, songs and writings, which are deeply rooted in ethical values and humanity, can serve as a guiding light for the country’s youth.
He stressed that the national poet’s legacy should not remain confined to government offices or cultural institutions.
“Instead, his literary works, philosophy and vision should reach every household across the country,” he said.
Referring to Nazrul’s poem Abhoy Sundar, the prime minister said the poet had envisioned future generations carrying forward his ideals.
Describing Nazrul as the “soul of Bangladesh”, Rahman said the poet’s ideals of equality, humanity and communal harmony remain especially significant at a time when attempts are being made to divide people for narrow political interests.
Quoting Nazrul’s famous lines, “Gahi Samyer Gaan… Jekhane mishese Hindu, Bouddha, Muslim, Christian,” he said Bangladesh’s enduring strength lies in the peaceful coexistence of people from all faiths.
“Even if evil forces try to create division and conflict for their own political interests, living together peacefully has always been a timeless value of the people of Bangladesh,” the prime minister said.
He also highlighted the importance of passing Nazrul’s life, philosophy and literary legacy from one generation to the next.
Rahman said the year-long celebrations will feature literary conferences, research seminars, cultural festivals, Nazrul music performances, publications, theatre festivals and art exhibitions to bring the poet’s works closer to people.
He also underscored the need to use digital platforms to preserve and promote Nazrul’s literature and music internationally.
“This inauguration itself is being held digitally. In the same way, digital platforms offer us the opportunity to preserve his literary works and songs and introduce them to a wider global audience,” he said.
The prime minister called on members of the National Nazrul Year Celebration Committee, Nazrul researchers and educational institutions to actively participate in programmes throughout the year.
Expressing confidence that the celebrations would inspire renewed appreciation of Nazrul’s works both at home and abroad, Rahman formally declared the inauguration of the year-long Nazrul Year 2026-27 programme.
