The nation will celebrate 109th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam today across the country with festivity and in a befitting manner.

To celebrate the day the Government has chalked out various programmes to be inaugurated by the Chief Adviser to the Caretaker Government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at a function at 10:00am at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city on Sunday.

Dr Mohammad Abdul Quaiyum will give a memorial lecture at the function. A cultural function has been arranged at the second session of the day.

Education adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman will place wreaths at the graveyard of the National Poet at 6:45am on the day.

On the eve of the day, President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in separate messages paid rich tributes to the memories of the rebel poet and prayed for eternal peace of his departed soul.

Prof Iajuddin in his message said the sharp writings of Kazi Nazrul Islam have reflected expectations of the various nations of the world pronouncing the freedom of all people.

The colourful life and creative works of Kazi Nazrul Islam inspire all. The poet worked for the mankind overcoming all adds and obstacles, he said.

Kazi Nazrul Islam was vocal against injustice and oppression, said the President.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin said, "Nazrul is the genious of Bengali poetry and music, besides great music composer and lyricist. His creativity and active presence in almost all arenas of Bengali literature and culture have won the hearts of Bangladeshis."

"He lives deep inside our national conscience and is the symbol of courage," said the Chief Adviser and recalling the poet's deep relations with the soil and the people of the country.

The poet worshipped the humanity, aesthetics and love, and appeared as a rebel with a high voice revelling against imperialism, communalism, suppressions and social injustice, said Dr Fakhruddin.

Kazi Nazrul Islam is still an unending source of inspiration and equally relevant to the people who are struggling to establish justice all over the world, he said.

The poet immensely contributed to the national awaking, and development of the society, culture and national entity, said the Chief Adviser.

Various socio-cultural organisations including Nazrul Academy and Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad also take different programmes including cultural functions to celebrate the day.