Published: 11:22 AM, 16 July 2026
Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute to launch diploma on Nazrul's journalism legacy
Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute is set to launch a one-year diploma course titled 'Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies' to explore the journalism legacy of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The institute has already sent a proposal for the programme to the Ministry of Culture, Executive Director of the institute Md. Latiful Islam Shibli told BSS.
Shibli said Nazrul was a pioneer of uncompromising journalism and a fearless editor. Nazrul began his regular journalism career with the daily Nabajug in Kolkata on July 12, 1920, after the end of the First World War.
Apart from serving as an editor, Nazrul worked in various capacities at around 10 to 12 newspapers, including Dhumketu and Langal, Shibli said. The institute has undertaken the initiative during Nazrul Barsho to encourage deeper study of Nazrul's contribution to journalism.
According to Shibli, the diploma course will examine Nazrul's journalistic work from multiple perspectives.
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 Nazrul's confrontation with British colonial rule.
The institute is also planning an international conference in August to mark Nazrul's death anniversary. Scholars and representatives from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India are expected to participate, reflecting the countries and literary traditions that frequently appeared in Nazrul's writings.
Although Nazrul never visited those countries, Shibli said he embraced their literary and intellectual traditions through extensive reading, drawing inspiration from renowned Persian poets such as Hafiz, Ferdowsi and Omar Khayyam. "Likewise, when we think of Iran or Turkey, Nazrul naturally comes to mind. I have met the Iranian ambassador several times and requested him to translate the literature of our national poet," Shibli added.
On May 23 this year, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared a year-long Nazrul Barsho during celebrations marking the 127th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam in Trishal, Mymensingh.
Subsequently, on June 21, the Cabinet Division issued a notification declaring the period from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, as Nazrul Barsho, with effect from May 25 this year.
