Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people to embrace the humanistic ideals of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, saying the government is committed to building an inclusive society where people of all faiths can live safely and peacefully, and animals are protected from cruelty.

"The present government is working to build such a state and society where every person, irrespective of religion or race, can live safely and without fear. Not only the safety of human beings, let’s also ensure that no animal falls victim to human cruelty,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the year-long “Nazrul Year 2026-27 Celebrations” from the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The programme was simultaneously launched in all 64 districts and 74 selected upazilas through a virtual platform.

He said the wisdom and literary works of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam have become even more relevant in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement.

Tarique said although artificial intelligence has opened new doors to knowledge it has also created risks of moral decline for younger generations.

Nazrul's poems, songs and writings rich in ethical values and humanity can serve as a guiding light for the country's youth, the Prime Minister said.

"That is why discussions on Nazrul should not remain within the four walls of ministries or government offices. His literary works and philosophy of life and vision should reach every household across the country.”

The Prime Minister said Nazrul's writings inspired the nation during the Liberation War and continued to serve as a powerful source of resistance and protest in different democratic movements.

"He is not only a part of our history as he remains relevant to today's generation and will continue to inspire future generations," Tarique said.

 He also referred to Nazrul's poem Abhoy Sundar, saying the poet himself had envisioned future generations carrying forward his ideals.

Calling the national poet the "soul of Bangladesh", Tarique said Nazrul's ideals of equality, humanity and communal harmony remain highly relevant at a time when attempts are being made to divide people for narrow political interests. Bangladeshnews subscription

Quoting Nazrul's famous lines, "Gahi Samyer Gaan... Jekhane mishese Hindu, Bouddha, Muslim, Christian", he said Bangladesh's enduring strength lies in people of all faiths living together in harmony.

"Even if evil forces try to create division and conflict for their own political interests, living together peacefully has always been the timeless value of the people of Bangladesh," the Prime Minister said.

He stressed the need to spread the poet's life, philosophy and literary legacy from one generation to the next.

The Prime Minister said the year-long celebration would include literary conferences, research seminars, cultural festivals, Nazrul music performances, publications, theatre festivals and art exhibitions to bring the National Poet's works closer to people.

He underscored the importance of using digital platforms to preserve and promote Nazrul's literature and music internationally.

"This inauguration itself is being held digitally. In the same way, digital platforms offer us the opportunity to preserve his literary works and songs and introduce them to a wider global audience," the Prime Minister said.

Tarique called upon members of the National Nazrul Year Celebration Committee, Nazrul researchers and educational institutions to ensure active participation in programmes throughout the year.

Expressing confidence that the celebration would lead to a renewed appreciation of Nazrul's works at home and abroad, the Prime Minister formally declared the inauguration of the year-long Nazrul Year 2026-27 programme.

He said the government has declared the period from May 25, 2026 to May 25, 2027 as Nazrul Year to strengthen the bond between the National Poet and the younger generation.

Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled six commemorative postage stamps and the official logo marking Nazrul Year 2026-27.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, senior government officials, Nazrul researchers and cultural personalities attended the programme.

Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers joined the event virtually from across the country.