The 98th birth anniversary of renowned artist SM Sultan was celebrated at his birth place in Narail on Wednesday morning maintaining social distancing.
The SM Sultan foundation and district administration jointly organised several programmes to mark the day, reports BSS.
The programmes included Quran Khawani, an art and essay writing competition, placing wreaths at his grave, seeking eternal peace of his departed soul, and doa mahfil.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Habibur Rahman addressed the remembrance meeting as the chief guest while Superintendent of Police Prabir Kumar Roy, Narail Municipality Mayor Anjuman Ara, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Fakhrul Hasan, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sadia Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Riazul Islam were present as special guests.
The legendary artist Sultan's artworks were shown in Simla of India in 1946, in Lahore and Karachi in 1948-49 and paintings were exhibited in New York, Boston, London and Michigan University in 1959, long before his exhibition at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
He joined the international conference of painters in America in 1950 as the representative of the then Pakistan government.
SM Sultan won Ekushey Padak in 1982, Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Award in 1986 and Swadhinata Padak in 1993.
He was entitled the "Man of Asia" in 1982 by Cambridge University and the Bangladesh government declared him "A resident of artist" in 1984.
The famous artist was born to a poor family in Masumdia area in Narail town on August 10, 1924.
SM Sultan died in Jashore Combined Military Hospital on October 10, 1994.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
