Moon Desk: During a time when the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent were passing through a period of grave crisis—reduced from a once-sovereign nation to destitution under the dual oppression of the exploitative British rulers and the dominance of upper-caste Brahmins—Kazi Nazrul Islam emerged in Bengal’s literary sphere as a symbolic pied piper for the Muslims.
The entire Muslim community of the subcontinent was then engulfed in despair, helplessness, and deprivation. In such a dire moment, Nazrul`s songs like “Islamer oi shauda loye elo no-been Shaudagor” (“The new merchant has arrived with the trade of Islam”) and “Bajichhe damama, bandh re ama-ma, shir unchu kori Muslim” (“The war-drum beats, unite O Muslims, hold your heads high”) stirred the hearts of the spiritually dormant Muslims of Bengal, awakening them anew. This very awakening played a pivotal role in the movement for independence in 1947 and in the eventual establishment of a separate homeland for Muslims.
Nazrul’s literary nectar did not exclude the Hindu community either. He composed numerous Shyama Sangeet, kirtans, and devotional songs glorifying Hindu deities as well.
As a revolutionary poet, Nazrul wielded the flute in one hand and the war trumpet in the other, inspiring people from all walks of life to rise against British colonialism. Through timeless compositions like “Karar oi louho kapat” (“The iron gates of the prison”) and “Durgom giri kantar” (“Through perilous hills and deserts”), he contributed immensely to the national consciousness. By embracing the gentle art of music and literature as a non-violent form of protest, he strategically sought to shatter the British policy of divide and rule, fostering harmony among fragmented religious communities and establishing a sense of nationalism, thereby accelerating the anti-British movement.
Due to his pen’s rebellion against British rule, many of his writings were banned, and he was imprisoned multiple times. The nation will forever remember his contributions with deep respect.
On the occasion of the 49th death anniversary of National and Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Bangladesh Muslim League organized a discussion and prayer gathering at the party headquarters after Juhar prayer on Wednesday (27 August 2025). The meeting was chaired by Standing Committee member Syed Abdul Hannan Noor. The keynote speaker was party Secretary General Kazi Abul Khair. Other participants included Standing Committee member Sheikh A. Sabur, Additional Secretary Generals Kazi A.A. Kafi and Maksudur Rahman, Chattogram Organizing Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, Office Secretary Mozakker Bari, Social Welfare Secretary M.A. Jinnah, Youth Affairs Secretary Shafiqul Islam, among others.
