Staff Correspondent

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has called for enlightening the new generation with the ideals of humanism, non-communalism, equality, and patriotism embodied by National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony and cultural program of the Dhaka divisional phase of nationwide educational institution-based cultural competitions, organized to mark "Nazrul Year" at the Azimpur Government Girls' School and College auditorium on Monday afternoon.

Speaking at the event, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury stated that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s humanistic philosophy, non-communal ethos, equality, and patriotism serve as an everlasting source of inspiration for the youth. 

The minister recalled that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman officially declared "Nazrul Year" while inaugurating a three-day event in Trishal to mark the national poet's 127th birth anniversar.

Addressing the session as a special guest, Cultural Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum remarked that the competition aims to instill Nazrul’s non-communal ethos, patriotism, and multifaceted creative thinking among students to nurture responsible citizens.

Presided over by Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Md. Moniruzzaman Miah, the ceremony was attended by Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md. Azmul Haq, Principal of Azimpur Government Girls' School and College Professor Nurjahan Akhter, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Central Executive Committee Cultural Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal, Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sanskritik Sangstha (JASAS) Central Committee Convener Helal Khan, and Member Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon.

Following the discussions, the guests distributed prizes among the winning students from the Dhaka division, which was followed by a cultural performance.