Discussion on Shamsur Rahman at Bangla Academy

National Professor Kabir Chowdhury speaks at the discussion.Cultural Correspondent

Bangla Academy held a discussion on the late poet Shamsur Rahman at the academy's seminar hall, in observance of the poet's 80th birth anniversary on November 2.

Shamsur Rahman (October 24, 1929-August 17, 2006) was a leading poet, columnist and journalist of his time. He had published over 60 books of poetry. Major themes in his poetry and writings include humanism, relationships, romanticised rebellion of youth, the emergence of and consequent events in Bangladesh, and opposition to religious fundamentalism.

At the discussion the speakers highlighted the poet's life, work, achievements and more.

The discussants were poet Belal Chowdhury; poet Muhammad Nurul Huda; Professor Begum Akhter Kamal and Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general, Bangla Academy. The event was presided over by National Professor Kabir Chowdhury.

In his speech Shamsuzzaman Khan said, "Shamsur Rahman's poetry is invaluable and has a pride of place in Bangla literature. His works epitomise Bangladesh."

"Today there is a major void in our literature due to the absence of great minds who passed away in the last three decades. With each death of these creative titans the void is getting bigger. It's about time that the young generation takes an active role in taking Bangla literature forward," Khan added.

Professor Begum Akhter Kamal said, "Shamsur Rahman's literary works are not only popular here but also admired in West Bengal."

"Shamsur Rahman wrote about the masses and their rights," she added.

Poet Nurul Huda said, "Like Jibanananda Das, poet Shamsur Rahman developed an individual style of writing. His works were not influenced by anyone. He was skilled in depicting the socio-political situation through his poetry. In his works he movingly combined imagination with reality. He was in fact the greatest poet of his time."

Poet Belal Chowdhury said, "During the Liberation War Shamsur Rahman's poems were a major source of inspiration. His competent use of Greek mythology in his poems generated interest in Bangla literature beyond borders.”