DHAKA, Aug 27, 2021 (BSS) - State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid today said that the Bangalee nation got inspirations from Nazrul's poems and songs during the great Liberation War and all democratic movements and struggles.

"Nazrul's poems and songs were a source of great inspiration in various movements and struggles of the Bangalee nation. From the anti-British movement to the great Liberation War, Nazrul's writings had given us inspiration and courage. In particular, Nazrul-Geeti 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' gave courage and inspiration to the brave freedom fighters of 71'," he said.

The state minister was speaking at a virtual discussion and a cultural programme, organized by the Kabi Nazrul Institute, as the chief guest on the occasion of the 45th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam here, a press release said.

Earlier, Khalid also paid tributes to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam by placing wreaths at his grave on Dhaka University (DU) campus in the morning.

During the discussion, he added that Kabi Nazrul Institute, under the Ministry of Culture Affairs, is conducting research on Nazrul's life, literature, music and his overall contribution.

He said Kazi Shimla and Darirampur in Trishal of Mymensingh district are being developed as attractive places to draw the attention of visitors as those places have lots of memories of the poet.

A Nazrul museum, library and auditorium have been set up at Bichutia Bepari Bari in Darirampur, he added.

With Kabi Nazrul Institute's executive director Mohammad Zakir Hossain in the chair, the programme was virtually attended, among others, by Kazi Nazrul's granddaughter and Kabi Nazrul Institute's Trustee Board Member Khilkhil Kazi and Cultural Affairs Secretary Abul Mansur as special guests.

Kabi Nazrul Institute's Trustee Board Member Dr Motahera Banu and Cultural Affairs Additional Secretary Monirul Alam also spoke.

Secretary of Kabi Nazrul Institute Md Elias Shah delivered the welcome speech while Poet Rezauddin conducted the programme.