Nazrul Sangeet Talent Hunt Announced

A new reality-based talent hunt focusing on Nazrul Sangeet has been launched in Bangladesh to mark the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The initiative, titled “Agni Bina-e Notun Protiva” (New Talents in the Fiery Flute), has been organised by the cultural platform “James of Nazrul”. The announcement was formally made at a press conference held yesterday at the Bengal Foundation in Dhaka.

According to organisers, the programme aims to discover gifted young singers from across the country who are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of Nazrul Sangeet. The competition will officially begin on 24 May, with registrations opening on the same day and continuing until 30 June. Interested participants can register through the organisation’s official website and social media channels.

The competition is open to participants aged between 15 and 25 years from all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Following the initial selection stages, a total of 24 finalists—three from each division—will be invited to Dhaka for the grand finale.

Speaking at the press briefing, Sadia Afrin Mallik, president of “James of Nazrul” and a noted singer, emphasised that the initiative is designed to identify talented performers from remote areas and bring them onto a national platform. She noted that many promising voices remain undiscovered due to a lack of opportunities, and this platform seeks to bridge that gap.

The judging panel consists of prominent academics and musicians from leading institutions and the cultural sphere. The panel includes professors and music educators as well as established Nazrul Sangeet artists, ensuring a balanced evaluation process. The selection committee will be headed by experienced musician Suman Chowdhury.

A minute’s silence was observed at the beginning of the press conference in memory of the late singer Dalia Naushin. The programme concluded with a cultural performance by members of the organising group, who rendered the iconic song “Ke Duronto Bajao Jhorer Bakul Banshi”, receiving warm appreciation from attendees. The event was moderated by Mitul Dash.

Prize Structure

Organisers expressed hope that the competition will not only celebrate Nazrul Sangeet but also contribute to its continued relevance among younger generations. By combining traditional musical heritage with a modern reality-show format, the initiative seeks to inspire wider participation and renewed public interest in one of Bangladesh’s most cherished cultural traditions.