Monirul Islam Receives Sultan Padak

Monirul Islam (left) receives award from Mijarul Quayes.

Monirul Islam, one of the finest painters of Bangladesh, has won the S.M. Sultan Padak (award) for the year 2012
The award was handed over to the artist on January 14 in Narail. Mijarul Kayes, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs was present at the award giving ceremony as chief guest. Johurul Haque, deputy commissioner of Narail, was present as special guest. The award is conferred jointly by S.M. Sultan Foundation and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The award has been given annually since 2001.
An elated Islam said, “I'm overwhelmed by this honour, which will encourage me to be more dedicated to my work. I met Sultan twice: once at Shilpakala Academy and at another time at a local gallery in the city. His simple attitude attracted me but we could not talk much. He had the rare ability to quickly become the centre of attention at any social and cultural gathering.
“This was the first time I visited Narail. The scenic and tranquil environment overwhelmed me. But the artworks at Sultan Complex need proper preservation. The walls are moist and soggy. Most of the paintings have lost their brightness and splendor. The government should recruit a restorer to take care of the museum. His artworks are our national assets.”
Islam was born in 1943. After graduating from Govt. College of Arts and Crafts (now Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka), he joined the college as a teacher (from 1966 to 1969). He went to Spain on a scholarship from the then Spanish Government, as part of a cultural exchange programme in 1969. The artist received the Accesit National Award of Spain from the Calcografia Nocionale in 1993. He also received Cross of Officer of the Order of Queen Isabella Award, Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award and more. He has conducted many workshops in several countries. His works have been exhibited not only in Madrid, but also at other prominent galleries in Europe and beyond.