People and Culture
From Churulia to Dhaka: Honoring the Legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam
The 47th death anniversary of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed on Sunday (27 August) with deep respect and love across the country.
Born on 24 May 1899 in Churulia of West Bengal’s Bardhaman district, Nazrul passed away on 29 August 1976 at PG Hospital (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) in Dhaka. Though he lived for 77 years, his creative span lasted only 23 years, during which he enriched Bengali literature with poems, songs, plays, essays, novels, and stories.
His iconic poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) ignited anti-British sentiments and spread like wildfire during the colonial period. Arrested for his political writings, Nazrul was sentenced in 1923 to one year of rigorous imprisonment in Alipore Jail, where he wrote his famous statement “Rajbandir Jabanbandi” (Deposition of a Political Prisoner). During his imprisonment, Rabindranath Tagore dedicated his book Basanta to Nazrul.
After Bangladesh’s independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought Nazrul to Dhaka in 1972, granting him the title of National Poet. He later received an honorary D. Litt degree from Dhaka University in 1974, was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1976, and was also given Bangladeshi citizenship the same year.
On this occasion, cultural and social organizations have organized programs including floral tributes at Nazrul’s grave beside the central mosque of Dhaka University, prayers, discussions, and cultural events.
Nazrul remains a timeless symbol of rebellion, love, secularism, and equality—his works continuing to inspire generations in Bangladesh and beyond.
Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and human rights activist , along with other detainees, has been released by . A Turkish Airlines flight carrying Alam has already departed for , according to a statement issued by the on Friday (October 10).
The statement added that the flight is expected to land in Istanbul at around 2:30 p.m. local time.
Bangladesh’s Consul General in Istanbul, , welcomed Shahidul Alam upon his arrival at the airport.
Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude to Turkish President for his support in securing Alam’s release and repatriation from Israel.
People from all walks of life paid tribute to world-renowned artist S M Sultan on his 31st death anniversary on Friday (10 October) in Narail.
The commemoration took place at the Sultan Complex, where floral wreaths were placed at the artist’s grave by the S M Sultan Foundation, Narail District Administration, Sultan Memorial Museum, District Shilpakala Academy, and Narail Press Club, among others.
Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan, Superintendent of Police Md Rabiul Islam, and other government representatives joined cultural leaders and local residents in honoring the late artist.
Earlier in the morning, a Qur’an recitation was held at Sultan’s residence, followed by a children’s art competition, an exhibition, prize-giving ceremony, and discussion session at Shishuswargo, an art center established in his memory.
Born on 10 August 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, Sultan’s paintings were exhibited in Shimla, Lahore, Karachi, New York, Boston, Michigan, London, Dhaka, and Germany.
Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including the Ekushey Padak (1982), Independence Award (1993), Resident Artist recognition (1984), and Bangladesh Fine Arts Honor (1986).
The celebrated artist, known for his secular humanist ideals, passed away on 10 October 1994 at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest in the courtyard of his home in Narail.
People and Culture
Bangladeshi Teen Sudipta Debnath Nominated for International Children’s Peace Prize 2025
Fifteen-year-old social activist Sudipta Debnath from Satkhira, Bangladesh, has been nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize 2025. The nomination comes in recognition of his work on child protection, climate justice, and educational empowerment.
The prize is awarded annually by the KidsRights Foundation, a Netherlands-based organization that honors children worldwide who advocate for child rights.
For the past three years, Sudipta has been working in Bangladesh’s coastal regions to combat child marriage, child labor, and school dropout. His awareness campaigns—both online and offline—have helped prevent multiple child marriages and encouraged many families to prioritize education.
Through webinars, social media campaigns, and community workshops, Sudipta has reached thousands with messages about child safety, digital security, and the right to education.
A recent graduate of Satkhira Government High School, Sudipta is now studying in grade 11 at Satkhira Government College. He is the son of Jamini Kumar Debnath and Sejuti Debnath of Masterpara, Satkhira town.
Expressing his feelings, Sudipta said, “I’m truly honored to be nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Working for children inspires me, and I wish to expand my efforts even further in the future.
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