Desk Report:
Emphasis has been placed on showcasing the life, timeless works, and universal humanist philosophy of Bangladesh’s National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, on the international stage. A special seminar was held in Dhaka with the aim of conveying the eternal messages of freedom, equality, humanity, and inclusion—found in Nazrul’s literature and music—to the global community.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the seminar titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam: The Universal Voice of Humanity and Freedom” took place at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. The primary objective of the event was to commemorate the life and works of the National Poet and to highlight his potential as a cultural ambassador for Bangladesh in the global arena.
Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, attended the seminar as the chief guest. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, MP, and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP, were present as special guests. In their speeches, they highlighted the significance of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s works and the relevance of his ideals and philosophy in the context of contemporary Bangladesh.
Professor Dr. Mosharraf Hossain, Vice-Chancellor of Kazi Nazrul Islam University, presented the keynote paper at the event. Prominent poet and former Executive Director of the Nazrul Institute, Abdul Hai Shikdar, participated as a discussant.
Representatives from diplomatic missions of various countries, distinguished academicians, researchers, litterateurs, artists, and senior government officials participated in the seminar. They discussed the timeless appeal of Nazrul’s literature and music, his contribution to shaping Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, and the universal values reflected in his creations.
The discussion explored ways to convey his humanist philosophy to the international community while reiterating his contribution to building Bangladesh’s national identity and cultural heritage. Simultaneously, the importance of cultural diplomacy in further strengthening Bangladesh’s image and cultural identity on the global stage was highlighted. Cultural diplomacy can play a pivotal role in fostering mutual respect, understanding, and relationships among people across nations. In this context, the literary works, music, and egalitarian, humanist philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam serve as a potent cultural asset for Bangladesh. Showcasing his creative works more extensively on the international stage offers an opportunity to familiarize people around the world with the literature and culture of Bangladesh.
Following the seminar, a cultural program was organized, inspired by the rich body of work of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
It is worth noting that through this initiative—organized as part of the ‘Nazrul Year’ celebrations—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing Bangladesh’s literary and cultural heritage on the global stage. The event also highlighted the potential to establish Nazrul as a global cultural ambassador for Bangladesh, while sharing the timeless values of freedom, humanity, and inclusivity reflected in his works with the global community.
