The 108th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be celebrated today.

On this day in 1899, Nazrul was born at Churulia in Burdwan district of West Bengal. The poet through his powerful poems had inspired the people to fight against injustice and repression during the colonial rule.

Nazrul's songs and poems were also a great source of inspiration for

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the freedom fighters during the Liberation War in 1971.

President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages, paying rich tribute to poet Nazrul.

A two-day programme has been chalked out to celebrate the birth anniversary of the poet at national level. Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will inaugurate the main programme at Osmani Memorial Hall today.

Nazrul exponent Prof Rafiqul Islam will deliver the commemorative speech at the inaugural function with Cultural Affairs Adviser Ayub Kadri in the chair. Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar will air the function to be followed by a cultural programme.

BTV and Betar will also broadcast special programmes based on Nazrul's works, including plays, poetry and songs, on the occasion.

A cultural programme will be

held at Jatiya Natyashala auditorium under the auspices of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy tomorrow where noted artistes of the country will perform.

Ministry of Cultural Affairs has published a souvenir and printed posters marking the occasion.

The teachers and students of Nazrul Institute will place wreaths at the grave of the national poet on the Dhaka University premises this morning and a three-week book fair on Nazrul will be inaugurated at the Public Library premises.

Nazrul's birth anniversary will also be celebrated at Trishal in Mymensingh, Daulatpur in Comilla and at Chittagong Shilpakala Academy.

The other programmes include a discussion and cultural programme in the Bangla Academy seminar room on Sunday, a five-day programme at Nazrul Institute from May 23, children and juvenile art competition, Nazrul song competition and discussion on the poet's life and works.