Dhaka: The 39^th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed today in the capital as elsewhere across the country with a call to spread his immortal literary works and ideologies among the new generation.

Different political parties, socio-cultural-professional bodies and institutions observed the day with elaborate programmes. The programmes included placing of wreaths at the grave of the poet, discussions, song and poetry recitation sessions and staging of dramas from the creative literary works of the poet.

On the occasion, Nazrul Institute decorated Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury and eminent Nazrul song exponent artist Shabnam Mustari with Nazrul Award-2014. The function was held at the experimental theatre hall of Shilpakala Academy at Segunbagicha.

In the morning, different organisations and institutions as well as family members of the Poet led by his granddaughters Mishty Kazi and Khilkhil Kazi laid wreaths at the grave of the National Poet Nazrul beside Dhaka University Central Mosque. Fateha and munajat were offered at the poet’s grave seeking divine blessing for eternal peace of his departed soul. A number of organisations held poetry recitation and song sessions on the Poet’s Mazar premises.

The day’s programmes of Dhaka University included Quran Khwani at the university central mosque after Fazr prayers, rally of teachers-students-officers-employees at the foot of the sculpture ‘Aparajeo Bangla’ in front of the Arts Faculty at 7 am and bringing out a silent procession from there for placing of wreaths at the poet’s grave that was led by vice-chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique.

Later, Dhaka University (DU) Vice-chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique presided over a discussion on the mazar premises. It was also addressed, among others, by Minister for Cultural Affairs Asaduzzaman Noor, MP, Minister for Liberation War affairs AKM Mozammel Huq, MP, DU treasurer Prof Dr Md Kamal Uddin, Nazrul researcher and Emeritus Prof Dr Rafiqul Islam, DU dean of the social science faculty and president of DU Teachers Association Prof Farid Uddin Ahmed, dean of the arts faculty Prof Dr Akhteruzzaman and chairman of Bangla Department Prof Begum Akhter Kamal.

The function was conducted by director of Nazrul Research Centre Prof Saumitra Shekhar. Teachers-students of the Music Department of DU rendered solo and chorus Nazrul songs at the function.

On behalf of the ruling Awami League, its presidium member Satish Chandra Roy, organising secretary Ahmed Hossain, office secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap and other leaders placed wreaths at the poet’s grave. Leaders-workers of BNP led by its central leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy laid a wreath there.

Besides, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Nazrul Institute, Bangla Academy, Shishu Academy, Shilpakala Academy, Nazrul Academy, Bulbul Lalitakala Academy, Nazrul Shilpy Sangstha, Nazrul Abbritti Parishad, Dhaka City Awami League (AL), Awami Juba League, Chhatra League, Dhaka University Teachers Association, teachers-students of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University and hundreds of people from all walks of life paid their homage to the national poet on his 39^th death anniversary.