Today marks the 50th death anniversary of Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Various government, cultural and social organisations have arranged programmes to commemorate the occasion.Kazi Nazrul Islam, widely known as the poet of rebellion, equality and humanity, breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical University in Dhaka, formerly known as PG Hospital. He was later laid to rest beside the Central Mosque of the University of Dhaka.To mark the National Poet’s death anniversary, the Nazrul Institute has organised a discussion titled “Mrityunjayi Nazrul”, along with a prayer gathering and Hamd-Naat programme. Various other institutions and organisations are also observing the day through different programmes.Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on 11 Jaistha, 1306 Bangabda, corresponding to May 25, 1899, in Churulia village of Burdwan district in West Bengal, India. His nickname was “Dukhu Mia”. He grew up facing severe poverty and hardship from an early age.Although his creative literary career spanned only 23 years, Nazrul made an extraordinary contribution to Bengali language and literature. His poetry, songs and other literary works elevated Bengali literature to remarkable heights. His writings, centred on rebellion, equality, humanity and love, have made him a timeless literary figure.Nazrul’s poetry and songs played a significant role in creating a new awakening in Bengali literature. For generations, his works have inspired people to stand against oppression and deprivation and to seek freedom and justice. At the same time, he remains equally celebrated as an eternal poet of love.Following Bangladesh’s independence, Kazi Nazrul Islam was brought to Bangladesh with his family on May 24, 1972, at the initiative of the then government and with the permission of the Indian government. He was accorded the status of Bangladesh’s National Poet and was provided with state facilities and a residence in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.In 1974, the University of Dhaka awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters, or D.Litt. degree. In 1976, the Government of Bangladesh granted him Bangladeshi citizenship. In the same year, he was honoured with the Ekushey Padak on February 21. Programmes Marking the Death AnniversaryTo commemorate the 50th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a two-day programme featuring discussions and cultural performances.The programme will be inaugurated today at 6:30 pm at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. A cultural programme will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday at the National Music and Dance Centre auditorium.The event, titled “Amare Debo Na Bhulite...”, will feature discussions on the National Poet’s life, literature and creative works, along with musical and dance performances.Meanwhile, the Nazrul Academy has arranged a three-day programme. This morning, representatives of the academy will offer Fateha and floral tributes at the National Poet’s grave beside the Central Mosque of the University of Dhaka. A Milad Mahfil will also be held after Zuhr prayers at the mosque adjacent to his grave.On the following day, a discussion and cultural programme will be held at 5:30 pm at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of the Nazrul Academy in Belalabad Colony, Moghbazar.The three-day programme will conclude with a closing ceremony at the same auditorium at 5:30 pm on August 29.