In a significant move to honor the journalism legacy of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute is set to launch a one-year diploma course titled 'Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies'. The course aims to explore Nazrul's contributions to journalism from multiple perspectives.
Executive Director of the institute Md. Latiful Islam Shibli announced that the proposal for the programme has been sent to the Ministry of Culture. Shibli highlighted Nazrul's role as a pioneer of uncompromising journalism and a fearless editor, noting his extensive career spanning various newspapers including Dhumketu and Langal.
The proposed curriculum includes topics such as the legacy of Dhumketu in modern Bangladesh, Nazrul's ideals of journalism and media ethics, women's emancipation in Nazrul's journalism, and his confrontation with British colonial rule. The institute is also planning an international conference in August to mark Nazrul's death anniversary, with scholars and representatives from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and India expected to participate.
During Nazrul Barsho, a year-long celebration declared by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the institute has undertaken several programmes to commemorate the occasion. These include identifying places where Nazrul was officially received during his lifetime and installing commemorative plaques featuring excerpts from his poems. The institute has also adopted a five-year plan to preserve and promote Nazrul's legacy, including organizing Nazrul Utsab in all 64 districts.
Shibli emphasized Nazrul's global outlook and broad intellectual vision, stating, 'He was not confined by narrow nationalist boundaries but was inspired by an international consciousness.' The institute plans to translate Nazrul's selected works into different languages and has already unveiled a new English translation, 'Quintessence of Nazrul', to promote the poet internationally.
