Shamsur Rahman's 84th birth anniversary today

Today marks the 84th birth anniversary of pre-eminent poet Shamsur Rahman. Socio-cultural organisations will arrange programmes to observe the day. On the occasion, Jatiya Kabita Parishad, editors of a number of little magazines, cultural and educational institutions will arrange discussions and poetry recitations in the city. Bangla Academy and National Public Library jointly organised a poetry recitation and discussion at Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall of the academy, yesterday. Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of Bangla Academy presided over the programme.
Rahman was noted as an urban poet, essayist and journalist. He emerged on the literary scene in the latter half of the 20th century and wrote more than 60 books of poetry and is considered a key figure in Bengali literature. Major themes in his poetry and writings include urban issues, natural beauty, human relationships, romanticism, democracy and religious fundamentalism.
About the poet, Rabiul Husain said, “Rahman had a long career as a journalist and served as the editor of a national daily, Dainik Bangla and the weekly Bichitra in the 1980s. The poet became an outspoken liberal intellectual in the 1990s against all kinds of religious fundamentalism and reactionary politics in our country.”
Poet Muhammad Samad, Vice Chancellor of University of Information Technology and Sciences recalled: “Rahman was unquestionably one of the foremost Bengali poets. I met the bard in the 1970s in the city. At that time he was very popular poet of Dhaka University. His poetry outstandingly articulates varied urban issues, romanticism, politics, liberal humanism and personal alienation. He was deeply influenced by Jibanananda Das and Sudhindranath Datta. I had spent a fair share of time with him at seminars, recitations, overseas tours and cultural programmes.”
Rahman was born on October 23, 1929 at his grandfather's residence at Mahut Tuli in Old Dhaka. He studied at Pogose High School, Dhaka College and Dhaka University. Among his famed works are “Roudro Korotite”, “Biddhasta Nilima”, “Buk Tar Bangladesh-er Hridoy”, “Hridoy Amar Prithibir Alo”, “Prothom Gan Ditio Mrittur Agey”, “Bondi Shibir Theke” and others.
Besides poetry, he also contributed essays, stories, novels, translations and columns. Through a career spanning over six decades, he wrote numerous poems and published over 100 books. His poems have been translated in many languages.
The poet received many prestigious awards in his lifetime. Rabindra Bharati University and Jadavpur University of India conferred honorary D. Lit. degrees on him. He was a recipient of Swadhinata Padak, Ekushey Padak, Adamjee Puroshkar, Bangla Academy Puroshkar, Jibanananda Puroshkar, Kabitalap Puroshkar, Abul Munsur Gold Medal, Bhasani Puroshkar, among other honours.