32nd Death Anniversary of Renowned Artist SM Sultan Observed in Narail with Various Programmes

The 32nd death anniversary of internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan was observed in Narail on Saturday (October 10) with due respect and a series of commemorative programmes honouring his life, artistic achievements and contributions to the world of fine arts.

The Narail district administration organised a daylong programme beginning at 9:00 am at the SM Sultan Memorial Museum premises, where the legendary artist is buried. The events included the laying of floral wreaths at his grave, recitation of the Holy Quran, special prayers, an art competition for children and adolescents, a discussion session and a prize-giving ceremony.

Representatives of government and non-government institutions, cultural organisations, political and social groups, and people from various walks of life participated in the programmes to pay tribute to the celebrated artist.

Floral wreaths were placed at Sultan's grave on behalf of the district administration, SM Sultan Bengal College of Fine Arts, SM Sultan Foundation, SM Sultan Memorial Museum, Narail Press Club, District Shilpakala Academy, SM Sultan Shishu Charu O Karukala Foundation, Murchhana Sangeet Niketan and several other organisations.

Throughout the day, participants commemorated Sultan's remarkable life, distinctive artistic philosophy and enduring contributions to Bangladeshi painting. The children's art competition was organised to introduce younger generations to his creativity, artistic vision and cultural legacy.

Among those present were Narail Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Abdul Salam; District Council Administrator and freedom fighter Mostafizur Rahman Alek; Narail District Hospital Superintendent Dr Abul Fazal Mohammad Mashiur Rahman Babu; Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ahsan Mahmud Russell; Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer TM Rahsin Kabir; and Bimanesh Chandra Biswas, a retired faculty member of the Fine Arts Department at Khulna University.

Other attendees included former SM Sultan Foundation Member Secretary Advocate Iqbal Hossain Sikder; Narail district BNP Organising Secretary Mahbub Murshed Japal; BNP leader Munshi Shahin Ullah Mohon; National Citizen Party (NCP) Narail district committee Member Secretary Engineer Mahmuda Sultana Rimi; cultural personality Sheikh Hanif; SM Sultan Memorial Museum Curator Tandra Mukherjee; Assistant Curator Mehedi Hasan Rana; and Narail Press Club General Secretary Mahbubur Rashid Lablu.

Artist and Shishuswarga instructor Soumitra Mostabi, art instructor Chiranjit Roy, and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Narail unit Member Secretary Amirul Islam Rana were also present, alongside representatives of various professional and cultural organisations.

A Legendary Artist Who Celebrated Rural Life

Born on August 10, 1924, in Machimdia village of Narail, SM Sultan was the son of Mecher Ali and Maju Bibi. His passion for art emerged at an early age and eventually led him to pursue a distinguished career in painting.

Sultan gained international recognition for his unique artistic style, unconventional perspectives and extraordinary ability to portray the struggles, resilience and dignity of ordinary people.

His paintings prominently feature farmers, agricultural workers and rural communities, often depicting their physical strength and indomitable spirit. Through his distinctive visual language, he celebrated the dignity of labour and the immense potential of the human spirit.

His artistic legacy extends beyond Narail and Bangladesh, earning him a significant place in the broader history of art.

SM Sultan passed away on October 10, 1994, at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to fine arts, he received the Ekushey Padak in 1982 and the Independence Award, one of Bangladesh's highest civilian honours, in 1993. He was also recognised as a Resident Artist in 1984 and received an honour from the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad in 1986.

He was additionally associated with several international distinctions, including recognition as "Man of the Year", "Man of Achievement" and "Man of Asia".

Preserving Sultan's Artistic Legacy

Various cultural and educational institutions continue to work towards preserving SM Sultan's artistic heritage, promoting his philosophy and encouraging the development of fine arts in Bangladesh.

Since 2001, the SM Sultan Foundation has presented the Sultan Gold Medal to recognise outstanding creative contributions by distinguished artists.

The commemorative programmes in Narail not only paid tribute to the legendary painter but also highlighted the importance of preserving his artistic vision and inspiring future generations to engage with art, culture and creative expression.

Through the observance, participants reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Sultan's memory alive and promoting the values reflected in his remarkable body of work.