Published: 11:36 AM, 22 September 2026
Nazrul was a pioneer of people-centric journalism: Poet Abdul Hye Sikder
The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was a pioneer of people-oriented journalism, according to eminent poet, essayist, journalist, and Nazrul researcher Abdul Hye Sikder.
Nazrul did not use journalism merely as a medium for publishing news but utilised it as a tool to mobilise public opinion against exploitation, deprivation, injustice, discrimination, and colonial rule, Sikder said in a recent interview with BSS.
He said the key characteristics of Nazrul's journalism were a firm stance in favour of secularism, women’s emancipation, the people’s rights and independence.
Through newspapers like ‘Nabajug’ and ‘Dhumketu’, the national poet brought about a change in the trend of journalism of that era and demonstrated the courage to speak truth to power, looking the rulers straight in the eye, he said.
Sikder stated that Nazrul’s imprisonment due to his poem ‘Anandamoyir Agamone’ marked a significant chapter in the history of both journalism and anti-colonial political activism.
The poem stands as an unprecedented milestone in the history of Bangla literature, he said, adding that under the guise of Goddess Durga, he used metaphor to expose the British imperial regime as a slaughterhouse, delivering a scathing critique, he said.
He said the British government got panicked following the poem’s publication and it confiscated ‘Dhumketu’, arrested Nazrul, and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment.
“Nazrul's imprisonment and his rebellious stance is a remarkable chapter in the history of our press,” he said.
The Nazrul researcher said Nazrul transformed the landscape of journalism and introduced a new style of writing editorials and crafting headlines through poetry.
Presenting Nazrul before world
Abdul Hye Sikder thinks that there is a significant shortfall in adequately showcasing Nazrul’s literature at the international level.
He mentioned that during his tenure at the Nazrul Institute, initiatives were taken to translate some of Nazrul’s works into Chinese, Persian, and Urdu.
“However, these efforts were not enough. More effective state-level initiatives are required to translate Nazrul’s literature into various global languages and promote those at international level.”
Recalling his experiences during a visit to China, Sikder mentioned that when officials there were presented with English translations of Nazrul’s works, they were surprised that a poet had openly advocated for independence and stood up for the oppressed as early as 1922.
Citing similar experiences in Iran, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia, he emphasised the need for high-quality translations and widespread promotion of Nazrul’s literary works to properly showcase him to the world.
Many works remain unnoticed
Drawing on his long experience in Nazrul research, Abdul Hye Sikder noted that many profound aspects of Nazrul’s literature and philosophy have yet to be properly explored.
He observed that for a long time, the study of Nazrul was dominated by individuals who were largely overly emotional and lacked adequate education.
As they prioritisied the poet’s external exuberance and eccentricity, the core philosophy of the poet was ignored, he added.
