Narail paid tribute to celebrated Bangladeshi painter SM Sultan on Friday, marking the 32nd anniversary of his death with prayers, art activities and commemorative programmes.
The district administration organised the observance at the SM Sultan Memorial Museum, beginning at 9am. Representatives of cultural institutions, local organisations, political groups and social bodies placed wreaths at the artist’s grave.
The programme included Quran recitation, special prayers, an art competition for children and adolescents, a discussion session and a prize distribution ceremony.
Sultan died at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore on 10 October 1994. Born on 10 August 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, he earned international recognition for his contribution to fine arts.
Bangladesh honoured him with the Ekushey Padak in 1982 and the Independence Award in 1993. He was named a resident artist in 1984 and received recognition from the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad in 1986.
His international accolades included the ‘Man of the Year’ recognition from Cambridge University, ‘Man of Achievement’ from the Biographical Centre in New York and ‘Man of Asia’ from Asiaweek magazine.
Since 2001, the SM Sultan Foundation has presented the Sultan Gold Medal to an outstanding artist in recognition of their contribution to fine arts.
