Bangladesh to promote Nazrul’s legacy to strengthen cultural diplomacy
Dhaka: Bangladesh is seeking to promote the literary and musical legacy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam as a global cultural ambassador, using his universal message of freedom, humanity, and inclusiveness to strengthen cultural diplomacy and expand the country’s international presence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, organized a seminar titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam: The Universal Voice of Humanity and Freedom” at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on October 11 to explore ways of presenting the poet’s humanist vision to the international community.
The seminar brought together diplomats, academics, researchers, artists, writers, and senior government officials to discuss how Nazrul’s literary and musical contributions could help promote Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, foster people-to-people connections, and strengthen mutual understanding with other countries.
Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the event as Chief Guest, while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom were present as special guests.
Professor Musharof Hossain, Vice-Chancellor of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, delivered the keynote speech. Poet Abdul Hye Sikder, Former Executive Director of the Nazrul Institute, participated as a discussant.
The seminar highlighted the potential of Nazrul’s legacy to serve as a bridge between Bangladesh and the wider world, reinforcing the role of literature, music, and the arts in advancing the country’s cultural diplomacy.
Nazrul’s writings and songs, known for their themes of freedom, equality, human dignity, and resistance to oppression, offer Bangladesh an opportunity to communicate its cultural identity and universal values beyond its borders.
The event also provided a platform to discuss ways of sharing the poet’s contributions with international audiences, positioning Bangladesh’s rich literary and artistic traditions as an important part of its engagement with the global community.
A cultural program featuring performances inspired by Nazrul’s artistic legacy followed the seminar.
As Bangladesh celebrates Nazrul Year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the country’s literary and cultural heritage internationally and sharing the enduring values of freedom, humanity, and inclusiveness associated with the National Poet.
