Nazrul Dance Festival concludes in Dhaka

A two-day "Nazrul Dance Festival 2026", organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under its Nazrul Barsha celebrations, concluded on Sunday with performances inspired by the works and philosophy of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The festival opened on Saturday, with the closing programme beginning at 6:30pm at the National Music and Dance Centre Auditorium. Dance troupes have presented pieces rooted in Nazrul's songs and writings, drawing on themes of rebellion, love, equality, humanity and beauty, and reframing his humanism and spirit of resistance in a contemporary idiom.

Presiding over Saturday's inaugural session, Culture Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum said Nazrul always stood beside the oppressed and sought to renew society through his art. Academy Director General and poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin) said the poet held a significant place in classical music, adding that "rhythm is present in every stage of life". Keynote speaker Amanul Haque, an Ekushey Padak-winning dancer and researcher, said Nazrul's rebellion and humanism could be expressed through dance.

The opening day featured "Shankashunyo Lakkho Konthe" by the academy, "Amar Kaifiyat" by Naim Khan Dance Company, and a Nrityayatan Mymensingh performance choreographed by Md Nazmul Haque. Groups including Spondon, Bhabna and Nrityalok Cultural Centre also took part, alongside troupes from across the country.