Dhaka: Dhaka University will organise a daylong programme to celebrate the 118th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on May 25.

To mark the day, the university authorities have chalked out elaborate programmes.

DU teachers, officers, employees and students will gather at 6.15 am at the foot of the Aparajey Bangla, in front of the Arts building while a rally led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique will march to the poet's majar located besides the university's Central Mosque at 6.30 am. The vice-chancellor will place wreaths at the grave.

Later, a commemorating meeting will be held on the premises of the shrine with DU VC in the chair. The theme of this year is "Nazrul, a soldier against imperialism and colonialism".

The Rabindra-Nazrul cultural festival will be organised at 7pm under the initiative of Dhaka University Club on its premises.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique will attend the programme as chief guest while Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Nasreen Ahmad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Akhtaruzzaman and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin will present as special guests.

Club secretary Dr. Mohammad Bahauddin will deliver the welcome address while its president ABM Shahidul Islam will deliver the concluding speech.

The programmes include music, recitation, mime and dance performances.

The legendary poet was born on May 24, 1899 at Churulia of Burdwan district in West Bengal.