Bangladesh remembers celebrated poet Shamsur Rahman today, 23 October, on the 97th anniversary of his birth. Known as the “poet of the city”, he captured the joys and sorrows of urban life while reflecting the struggles and movements that shaped the Bengali people.
Rahman was born in Mahuttuli, Dhaka, on 23 October 1929. His nickname was Bacchu. His parents were Mokhlesur Rahman Chowdhury and Amena Begum. He dropped the family title “Chowdhury” from his name as he pursued his ambition of becoming a writer.
Growing up in Dhaka, Rahman drew inspiration from the city and its people. His poetry explored everyday experiences as well as major moments in the Bengali people’s collective struggle.
His first poetry collection, Prothom Gaan Ditiyo Mrittyur Agey, appeared in 1960. Over his career, he published 66 poetry collections, four novels, a collection of essays, a book of rhymes and six translated works.
Rahman received several honours for his contribution to literature, including the Independence Award and the Ekushey Padak.
He died on 17 August 2006, leaving behind a body of work that remains an important part of Bangladesh’s literary heritage.
