Taskina Yeasmin (Dhaka Bureau)
On August 10, the 103rd birth anniversary of S M Sultan- world-renowned painter and pioneer of humanist art- was commemorated in Narail through a day-long series of events organized by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The program aimed to spread the artist’s philosophy, the resilience of working people, and the heritage of Bengal’s agrarian civilization among the youth.
Organized in collaboration with the Narail District Administration, District Shilpakala Academy, and the SM Sultan Memorial Museum, the event took place on the grounds of the museum and ‘Shishu Sworgo’ (Children’s Paradise)- an institution founded by Sultan himself. Key highlights included an art camp featuring 20 local artists, a vibrant art competition and exhibition with over 300 children from Shishu Sworgo, a discussion session, cultural performances, and the inaugural presentation of the ‘Sultan Award 2026’.
Agrarian Culture and Muscular Peasants: Sultan’s Unique Philosophy
Born on August 10, 1923, into a humble peasant family in Masimdia village, Narail, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan- famously known as ‘Lal Mia’ and later SM Sultan- transcended institutional boundaries to capture the boundless vitality of rural working people on canvas.
His iconic masterpieces- including ‘First Tree Plantation’, ‘Ploughing’, ‘The Struggle for Land Creation (Chor Dokhol), and ‘On the Banks of the Chitra River’- consistently portray farmers and rural workers with muscular, empowered physiques. According to art scholars, this was not merely an aesthetic choice, but a profound humanist statement asserting the dignity and inner strength of Bengal’s marginalized agrarian community.
Addressing the audience as Chief Guest, Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, stated: ‘SM Sultan is an exceptional artist not just for Narail or the riverine regions, but for the entirety of Bangladesh and the world. Starting this year, we have introduced the ‘Sultan Award.’ Sultan envisioned opportunities for rural children and underprivileged youth to practice art. Nurturing their creative instincts alongside academics will foster their intellectual growth and empower them to stand tall in society.’
Poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin), Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, highlighted: ‘SM Sultan stands as the most life-oriented artist of Bangladesh and the greatest international painter of our agrarian civilization. He is the pride of Narail and the global community. Our hope is that the children growing up at Shishu Sworgo will emerge as visionary artists inspired by his commitment to human values.’
At the event, Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar- an artist, researcher, writer, academic, and internationally renowned printmaker- was awarded the ‘Sultan Sammanana Padak 2026’ in recognition of his long and illustrious artistic journey, creativity, and significant contributions to the art landscape of Bangladesh. Photo: Collected.
Eminent Printmaker Prof. Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar Receives ‘Sultan Award 2026’
In recognition of his long, distinguished career and lifetime contributions to contemporary Bangladeshi art, Ekushey Padak winner, internationally acclaimed printmaker, researcher, and educator Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar was honored with the inaugural ‘Sultan Award 2026’.
During the memorial discussion titled ‘SM Sultan: An Artist of Life and Social Reality,’ Professor Reza Asad Al Huda Anupam from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, delivered the keynote address. The session was presided over by Narail District Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Abdul Chalam, with local members of parliament, senior administration officials, and Shilpakala Academy representatives in attendance.
Preserving Heritage and Looking Ahead
SM Sultan passed away on October 10, 1994, at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore. Today, ‘Shishu Sworgo’ and the SM Sultan Memorial Museum at his ancestral home stand as cherished cultural landmarks for art enthusiasts nationwide. Official administrative procedures are currently underway at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to declare the complex a full-fledged national heritage tourism center.
In a world still plagued by violence and inequality, the timeless legacy of SM Sultan’s humanist art continues to serve as an enduring inspiration for peace, nonviolence, and the rights of working-class people.
Taskina Yeasmin: Senior Reporter, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
