Kazi Nazrul Islam’s works now available in English

The English translation of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s writings, Quintessence of Nazrul, was released today in an effort to increase the national poet’s literary contributions’ visibility throughout the world.

The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute hosted a publication ceremony and cultural event in its auditorium this afternoon to commemorate the unveiling.

The book was introduced by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Cultural Affairs Advisor, who was the event’s principal guest.

The occasion was presided over by Md. Latiful Islam Shibli, executive director of the Institute.

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki thanked all involved in the translation work, saying, “It is a very good initiative to translate the works of Nazrul into English to take him to the global stage. Now it is more important to disseminate it. We often see that a book is produced and remains confined within the country. We must think about how to present it to people abroad.”

He also advised the Institute to arrange events centred on the book so that people worldwide could engage with the poet’s works.

Urging the Institute to continue such initiatives, he added, “After we leave, whichever government is elected, I believe that the cultural journey that began in Bangladesh after the 2024 Mass Uprising, which is wholly Bangladesh-focused and rooted in self-respect, will continue, and I am confident they will uphold it.”

Renowned Nazrul researcher and Nazrul Award recipient Prof Irshad Ahmed Shaheen delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the depth and significance of Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s works.

“When I present Nazrul on the world stage, audiences are amazed by his work and recognize its unique features. It is a great achievement by the Institute to take both Nazrul and Bangla literature to the global stage,” he said.

Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md Mofidur Rahman, the poet’s granddaughter and Chairperson of the Trustee Board of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute Khilkhil Kazi, and Prof Dr Tazin Aziz Chowdhury of the University of Dhaka addressed the event as special guests. 

A cultural segment followed, featuring solo musical performances by Yakub Ali Khan, Dr Nashid Kamal, Ferdous Ara, and Salauddin Ahmed. Group music was performed by trainee artistes of the Institute, while an English solo recitation segment was presented by Nasim Ahmed and Shima Islam.