Dhaka Calling - Tourist Guide

Nazrul Tourism at Bangladesh

Kazi Nazrul Islam, known as the ‘Rebel' poet in Bengali literature and the ‘Bulbul' (Nightingale) of Bengali music, was one of the most colourful personalities of undivided Bengal between 1920 and 1940. He is considered a pioneer of post-Tagore modernity in Bengali poetry. The new kind of poetry that he wrote made possible the emergence of modernity in Bengali poetry. His poems, songs, novels, short stories, plays and political activities expressed strong protest against various forms of oppression- slavery, communalism, feudalism and colonialism- and forced the British government not only to ban many of his books but also to put him in prison.

Nazrul was born on May 24, 1899 in Churulia village, Bardhawan in West Bengal, India. Nazrul lost his father Kazi Fakir Ahmed when he was only nine year old. Nazrul's nickname was “Dukhu” (sorrow) Mia, a name that aptly reflects the hardships and misery of his early years. Later, Nazrul joined a folk-opera group where as a member of this folk-opera group.

In 1910, at the age of 11, Nazrul returned to his student life enrolling in class six. But, financial difficulties compelled him to leave school after class six. Dukhu Mia ended up in a bakery and tea-shop in Asansole.

In 1914, Nazrul came to Darirampur, Trishal in Mymensingh district with a kind-hearted Sub-Inspector of Police Kazi Rafizullah to have his education. Although Nazrul had to change schools two or three more times, he managed to continue up to class ten, In 1917 he joined the Indian Army. He served in the army almost three years, up to March-April 1920 and was promoted to the rank of Battalion Quarter Master Havildar.

Nazrul continued his literary and musical activities even in the army, publishing his first piece' ‘The Autobiography of a Delinquent” (Saogat, May 1919) and his first poem, “Freedom” Bangiya Musalman Sahitya-patrika, (July 1919), in addition to other works composed when he was posted in the Karachi cantonment.

After the 1st World War his regiment was disbanded, Nazrul returned to Calcutta to begin his journalistic and literary life. His poems, essays and novels began to appear regularly in a number of periodicals and within a year he became well known not only to the prominent Muslim intellectuals of the time, but was accepted by the Hindu literary establishment in Calcutta as well. In 1921, Nazrul went to Santiniketan to meet Rabindranath Tagore.

Soon after, Nazrul became involved in the non-co-operation movement against the British government. He composed and sang several memorable and inspiring patriotic songs; the amateur lyricist and composer had found a new voice to express his patriotic fervour. During these days, an inspired Nazrul composed some of his greatest songs and poems of which “The Rebel” is perhaps the most well-known. The 22-year old poet became on overnight sensation, achieving a fame unparalleled in the 1000-year history of Bengali literature.

During his 22 years of literary career, before he was attacked of pick's disease, Nazrul wrote more that 3000 poems and songs. He was known as Rebel poet for his uncompromising attitude towards the then British Rule. After prolonged illness Nazrul breathed his last on August 29, 1976 and was buried beside the Dhaka University Mosque. A beautiful grave has been erected, where on different occasions, a good number of people gather here to pay their tribute to this outstanding poet of this region.

To uphold the memories of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and Nazrul Institute have jointly launched a tour programme at places with the memories of the poet at Trishal recently.

Prominent places of Nazrul's memory are at Kazir Simla Daroga Bari where Nazrul used to stay. There is a beautiful pond where Nazrul used to take his bath and catch fish.

Nazrul spent about one and a half year in Trishal and read at Darirampur High School from class seven to middle of class eight in 1915. As this house was very far from the school, his benefactor Daroga Rafizullah arranged Nazrul's lodging at Nampara Bechitia Bepari's house. beautiful building was built here recently to house a library, an auditorium and a display centre. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has erected a building with an auditorium beside the Bepari house.

The Darirampur school has grown big with different sections and open-air stage. Locals observe the birth and death anniversary of Nazrul at this ‘Nazrul Mancha' every year. A girls high school was also established here.

There is a Construction work of Nazrul University is almost complete. It is expected to open very soon.

The tourism corporation started a this day-long package tour named ‘Nazrul tourism' at Trishal, said Dr Mahfujul Huq, Chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. It is learnt that daylong package tour will cost Tk. 950.

At Namapara there is a banian tree near the river Sutia river, under which Poet Nazrul used to pass much of his leisure hours and play flute. A raised platform is built here and occasionally cultural functions are held in this spot.