A three-day 23rd National Poetry Festival began yesterday with the slogan 'joy janatar, joy kabitar,' (victory to the people, victory to poetry) on the premises of Dhaka University Central Library.

Eminent poet Syed Shamsul Haq inaugurated the festival as the chief guest while President of Jatiya Kabita Parishad (JKP) Habibullah Siraji chaired the inaugural session.

The spirit of the 1971 War of Liberation of establishing a secular and democratic Bangladesh is the tone of this year's festival.

Besides poets of Bangladesh, around 50 poets from different parts of India and a number of expatriates from the United States, UK and Australia are participating the festival. Poets from far-flung areas and tribal regions of the country are also taking part in the event.

JKP will also arrange a painting session on February 20, where painters will create works based on the themes of the selected poems.

Poet Syed Shamsul Haq hoped that the festival would be successful this year as the people are in a state of beginning a journey towards democracy in the country with open thoughts.

JKP general secretary Golam Kibria Pinu, poet Aslam Sani, poet Mohon Ryhan and poet Robiul Hussain addressed, among others.

The festival will remain open from 10am to 9pm everyday.