BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to take the country forward, drawing inspiration from National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is trying to move the country toward development. Nazrul is the inspiration behind his work,” Rizvi said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the poet’s grave at the University of Dhaka on the occasion of Nazrul’s 127th birth anniversary.

He also said National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was a major source of inspiration in the struggle against fascism.

“When we were tortured in remand, Nazrul’s songs, poems and literary works inspired us to survive and resist,” he said.

He said Kazi Nazrul Islam remains relevant in both national and social life.

The BNP leader said the poet carried the banner of rebellion, equality and humanity, and people drew inspiration from his songs and poems during every national movement. “Kazi Nazrul Islam was the principal inspiration in the struggle against fascism.”

Rizvi said Nazrul continues to inspire the implementation of the government’s electoral pledges and national vision.

He further said Nazrul would be remembered throughout the year during the Nazrul anniversary celebrations.