Dhaka: The 42nd death anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed on Monday.

Nazrul, revered as Bidrohi Kobi (a rebel poet) for his activism for political and social justice, breathed his last in Dhaka on 12th Bhadro of Bangla calendar year 1383 (August 29, 1976) at the age of 77. He was buried with full state honours beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

Nazrul produced a large body of poetry and music with themes that included religious devotion and spiritual rebellion against all sorts of oppression.

Different socio-cultural and political organizations held elaborate programmes marking the occasion. Television channels aired special programmes on his works and life in observance of the day.

The programmes started with Qurankhwani after Fajr prayers at Dhaka University (DU) Central Mosque by different organizations while a discussion was also held at the campus.

Later, teachers and students of the Dhaka University and other political and socio-cultural organisations placed wreaths at the grave of the national poet in the morning.

As part of the programme, Bangla Academy will organise a lecture session followed by a cultural show at its Poet Shamsur Rahman auditorium at 4 pm on August 30.

Professor Vishmo Deb Chowdhury will deliver the key speech while National Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam will preside over the session.

Many other organizations also arranged special programmes featuring discussion and musical events across the country.

‘Nazrul Padak 2017’ conferred by Nazrul Institute was given on the day in a programme held at National Museum with Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu attending as the chief guest.

Khairul Alam Shakil was awarded for contribution to Nazrul Song while Prof Dr Rashidun Nabi was awarded for research about Nazrul Song.

Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24 in 1899 at Churulia village in Asansol subdivision of Burdwan district of West Bengal, India.