Rajshahi divisional commissioner Yusuf Ali has urged the younger generation to embrace the ideals of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and participate in cultural and sports activities to help build an educated, crime-free, and harmonious society. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a nationwide Nazrul-themed national cultural competition for students, Yusuf Ali highlighted the inverse relationship between cultural and sports activities and criminal tendencies in society.
Cultural Activities and Crime Reduction
Yusuf Ali noted that increased participation in cultural and sports activities could help reduce social problems including juvenile delinquency, drug addiction, gambling, and child marriage. The event, held at the open stage of Bangladesh Shishu Academy in Rajshahi city, was organized as part of the Nazrul Year by the district administration on the initiative of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, with cooperation from the District Shilpakala Academy.
The commissioner emphasized that Nazrul's works were not merely a source of entertainment but also inspired people to fight for their rights and awaken their conscience. He drew attention to Nazrul's difficult childhood, including his experience working at a bread shop, which helped shape his rebellious spirit. Throughout his life, the poet used his writings to speak against inequality, religious intolerance, and exploitation.
Nazrul's Legacy and Social Harmony
Yusuf Ali urged young people to develop humane qualities by following Nazrul's ideals. He expressed his determination to build an educated, crime-free, and harmonious society by promoting Nazrul's ideals and ensuring the participation of people from all communities, including the Santal community of the Barendra region. The commissioner formally declared the Nazrul Year programme open at the end of his speech.
The event was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam and attended by several high-ranking officials, including RMP Commissioner Mohammad Faizul Kabir, Additional DIG of Rajshahi Range Khandaker Shamim Hossain, and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Harun-or-Rashid. The programme concluded with a cultural performance, underscoring the importance of cultural activities in fostering social harmony.
