This recognition came when I felt completely forgotten: Fatema Tuz Zohra on receiving Nazrul Award

Celebrated Nazrul Sangeet artiste Fatema Tuz Zohra has been named a recipient of the Bangla Academy Nazrul Award 2026 in recognition of her longstanding contribution to the performance, practice and promotion of the works of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The award was announced ahead of the poet’s 127th birth anniversary celebrations, scheduled to be held at Bangla Academy on May 23.

Fatema Tuz Zohra has remained closely associated with Nazrul Sangeet for decades and is widely recognised for popularising the genre among newer generations through performances on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, as well as on stages at home and abroad.

Alongside performance, she has also contributed to the teaching and preservation of Nazrul Sangeet and has received several honours over the course of her musical career.

The other recipient of this year’s award is noted Nazrul researcher Rashidun Nabi, who is being recognised for his research on Nazrul’s life, literature and philosophy. His essays and books on the poet have played an important role in enriching Nazrul studies in Bangla literature.

Reacting to the announcement, Fatema Tuz Zohra said, “I was feeling deeply disheartened. It felt like I had disappeared, that nobody would search for me, recognise me or remember me anymore. Receiving this award came as a huge surprise and it means a great deal to me. I am very grateful to Bangla Academy.”

She added that the recognition would inspire her to continue her lifelong dedication to music.

The Nazrul Award 2026 will be formally presented at a programme organised by Bangla Academy at 3 pm on May 23 marking the 127th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam.