Despite intense summer heat and heavy weather conditions, hundreds of poets, writers, journalists, teachers, researchers, students, cultural activists and literature enthusiasts gathered at Nazrul Square on DC Hill to honour the legacy of the rebel poet.
The event was jointly organised by the National Poet Nazrul Stage, Chattogram History Research Centre and several literary and cultural organisations.
The programme opened with tribute poetry celebrating Nazrul’s spirit of rebellion, love, equality and humanity.
“Break the walls of injustice and sing the anthem of equality,” one of the poems declared, as audiences listened attentively beneath the old trees of DC Hill.
Many attendees carried flowers and books of poetry, while others captured moments of the event on their mobile phones. The atmosphere remained emotionally charged throughout the evening as recitations, discussions and Nazrul songs echoed across the hilltop cultural venue.
The event was chaired by prominent Nazrul researcher, journalist and writer Mohammad Kamal Uddin, who described Nazrul as more than just a national poet.
“Nazrul is the name of a consciousness and a revolution. He taught people not to bow before injustice and inspired humanity, equality and courage,” he said during his speech.
He added that Nazrul’s literary works remain highly relevant at a time when society faces division, inequality and moral decline.
Kamal Uddin also recited a self-written poem dedicated to the poet, which deeply moved the audience.
Throughout the programme, performers recited Nazrul’s poetry on rebellion, love, communal harmony and human liberation, while singers performed several of his timeless songs. Audience members frequently applauded and joined in chorus during the cultural performances.
Among the special guests were former Bangladesh Bank Deputy General Manager Akram Hossain, veteran academic Jitendralal Barua, historian Sohel Mohammad Fakhruddin, literary enthusiast GM Mamunur Rashid, teacher-poet Imranul Islam and cultural organiser Anis Khokon, among others.
Speakers highlighted Nazrul’s fearless journalism, anti-oppression stance and commitment to social justice, saying he used his pen as a weapon against exploitation, communalism and inequality.
They also called for establishing a permanent Nazrul research centre and archive in Chattogram to preserve and promote the poet’s legacy for future generations.
The programme concluded with musical performances and a collective rendition of Nazrul’s famous patriotic song “Chol Chol Chol,” which energized the crowd and turned the entire venue into a celebration of unity and resistance.
As evening descended over DC Hill, many participants remained at the venue discussing poetry, taking photographs and reflecting on Nazrul’s enduring message of courage, humanity and equality.
Organisers said the event aimed not only to commemorate the poet’s birth anniversary, but also to inspire people to embrace Nazrul’s ideals of justice, compassion and resistance against oppression in contemporary Bangladesh.