BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the political struggle of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman embodies the revolutionary spirit of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Speaking at a tribute event at Nazrul’s mausoleum on the Dhaka University campus on Wednesday (August 27), Rizvi made the remarks on the 49th death anniversary of the poet.

“Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have carried forward their fight for democracy by embracing the ideals of Kazi Nazrul Islam,” Rizvi said. “From the anti-British movement to the July Mass Uprising, Nazrul’s voice has inspired every major national struggle. His rebellious poetry continues to fuel our resistance against oppression.”

Rizvi emphasized that Nazrul’s vision remains central to building a just, progressive, and democratic society. “Whenever the nation has lost its way, Nazrul’s words have served as a beacon,” he said. “His spirit of resistance, humanism, and justice is exactly what our current movement stands for.”

Despite the fall of the past regime, Rizvi noted, true democracy has not yet been restored. “Free, fair, and credible elections before Ramadan are essential to restore the voting rights of millions who have been disenfranchised for 15 years,” he said. “Only then can we fulfill the dream of a democratic Bangladesh that both Nazrul and our leaders have fought for.”

He described Nazrul as a timeless symbol of resistance—“the poet of humanity, the poet of love, and the poet of revolt.”

“Whether it was the fight against colonial rule, the 1990 uprising, or the recent mass revolution, people have marched to the rhythm of Nazrul’s songs,” Rizvi said. “We too took to the streets chanting his verses. It was his inspiration that gave us the courage to confront tyranny.”

The event was attended by prominent BNP allies, including Helal Khan, Convener of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangsthika Sangstha (JASAS); Zakir Hossain Rokon, Member Secretary of JASAS; Touhid Awal, Vice-President of Chhatra Dal; and Raju Ahmed, Joint Secretary of Chhatra Dal.

As the nation remembers Nazrul, Rizvi called on all democrats to unite under his legacy: “Let us move forward together—inspired by Nazrul, guided by truth, and committed to democracy.”