In fond memory of Shamsur Rahman

On the occasion of eminent poet Shamsur Rahman’s 91st birth anniversary, the programme, Kobi Shamsur Rahman-er Ekanobboi Tomo Jonmodin, was held at Kobi Shamsur Rahman auditorium inside Bangla Academy on October 23. The programme was jointly organised by Bangla Academy, Jatiya Kabita Parishad and Shamsur Rahman Smriti Parishad. National Professor Anisuzzaman presided over the event.

Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Shirajee, Jatiya Kabita Parishad President Muhammad Samad, Professor Syed Anwar Husain, Kali O Kolom Editor Abul Hasnat and Poet Mohammad Nurul Huda attended the programme as discussants. Besides, Shamsur Rahman’s family members were present at the programme. Following the discussion, poets Anwara Syed Haq, Quazi Rosy, Shihab Sarker, Lili Haque and others paid tribute to Shamsur Rahman with their self-penned poems.

Shamsur Rahman, Photo: Collected

Artistes Rafiqul Alam and Abida Rahman presented songs, based on Shamsur Rahman’s poems. Naila Tarannum Chowdhury Kakoli, Faizul Alam Pappu and Shahadat Hossain Nipu entertained the audience with popular poems of Shamsur Rahman. Shahida Rahman presented a dance performance on the author’s poems.

“Shamsur Rahman was a star among all poets and illuminated Bangla poetry with his creations. His contribution to Bangla literature cannot be forgotten. The young generation of our country must read his poems. He will live on through his works,” said Anisuzzaman.

One of the most acclaimed poets of contemporary Bangla literature, Shamsur Rahman was born on October 23, 1929. Along with many novels and essays, the great poet authored a total of 60 poetry books. He has been honoured with prestigious awards including Ekushey Padak (1977), Independence Award (1991), Bangla Academy Literary Award (1969) and others. He passed away in 2006.