The Bangla Academy has announced that the Nazrul Award 2026 will be conferred upon eminent Nazrul Sangeet exponent Fatema Tuz Zohra and researcher Rashidun Nabi, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the preservation, performance, and scholarly study of the works of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The announcement was made ahead of the official celebrations marking the 127th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, one of the most influential literary figures in Bengali culture. The award is regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in the field of Nazrul studies and is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated long-standing dedication to advancing Nazrul’s artistic and intellectual legacy.
Fatema Tuz Zohra has spent several decades deeply engaged in Nazrul Sangeet. As a regular artist of both Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, she has rendered hundreds of renditions of Nazrul’s songs, earning widespread acclaim at home and abroad. Her performances have helped bring Nazrul’s compositions to international cultural platforms, introducing them to new audiences beyond national borders. In addition to her stage career, she has played a significant role as a mentor and educator, training a large number of students who continue to contribute actively to the field of Nazrul music.
On the other hand, Rashidun Nabi has devoted many years to academic research on the life, literature, philosophy, and ideological thought of Kazi Nazrul Islam. His scholarly works, including essays and books, have enriched Bengali literary criticism by offering new analytical perspectives on Nazrul’s writings. His contributions are widely regarded as significant in advancing structured research on Nazrul’s creative and intellectual heritage.
Following the announcement, Fatema Tuz Zohra expressed an emotional response, stating that she had been going through a somewhat discouraging phase in her artistic journey. She noted that at times it felt as though her work was gradually fading from public attention. In this context, the recognition has arrived as a renewed source of inspiration. She expressed her gratitude to the Bangla Academy, stating that the honour would encourage her to continue her musical practice with greater dedication and commitment.
The Bangla Academy has confirmed that the awards will be formally presented on 22 May at 3:00 pm during the main programme of the 127th birth anniversary celebrations of Kazi Nazrul Islam. The announcement has already generated a festive atmosphere within cultural circles, with anticipation building around the commemorative event.
Nazrul Award 2026 Recipients
| Recipient | Identity | Field of Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Fatema Tuz Zohra | Nazrul Sangeet artist | Performance, promotion, and training in Nazrul music |
| Rashidun Nabi | Researcher | Studies on life, literature, and philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam |
This year’s selection highlights two complementary dimensions of cultural contribution: performance and pedagogy on one hand, and academic research on the other. Cultural observers believe that such recognition not only honours individual excellence but also strengthens the broader effort to preserve and expand the legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam for future generations.