The 101st birth anniversary of legendary Bangladeshi painter SM Sultan was celebrated yesterday with the launch of a two-year programme dedicated to his life and work. Born on 10 August 1924 in Narail, Sultan earned global recognition for his striking portrayals of rural life and robust peasant figures, sharing exhibition space with masters like Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
The inaugural ceremony at Bengal Shilpalay brought together artists, scholars, and admirers, who hailed Sultan’s defiance of colonial art traditions and his distinctive visual language. Eminent photographer Nasir Ali Mamun, member secretary of the celebration committee, announced that the centenary events—postponed last year—would now feature exhibitions, seminars, workshops, memorial lectures, and publications.
The programme opened with a documentary tribute and the unveiling of Sultan Khonon, followed by a keynote address from Dr Shahman Moishan, who described Sultan as a mythical yet profoundly human figure. Artist Monirul Islam, educationist Abdullah Abu Sayeed, and other speakers reflected on his singular style and deep bond with nature.
In the coming months, the SM Sultan Foundation, Narail’s district administration, Shilpakala Academy, and local cultural organisations will host related events. A self-taught artist, Sultan was honoured in his lifetime with the Ekushey Padak, the Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Award, and the Independence Award before his death in 1994.
