Narail district will observe the 103rd birth anniversary of world-renowned artist SM Sultan tomorrow with a series of events. Organized by the SM Sultan Foundation and the Narail district administration, the daylong programme will take place at the Sultan Smriti Sangrahasala. Activities include Qurankhwani at Sultan's graveyard, a prayer mahfil at his shrine, a painting competition and exhibition for children and teenagers, an art camp, a discussion programme, an award ceremony, and cultural programs.
Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury will be the chief guest, while SM Sultan Smriti Sangrahasala president and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Abdul Salam will preside over the function. Special guests include Narail-1 MP Biswas Jahangir Alam, Narail-2 MP Ataur Rahman Bachchu, and Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Kaniz Maula. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin will be the guest of honour.
Professor Reza Asad Al Huda Anupam from the Department of Fine Arts at Dhaka University will be the main discussant at the session titled 'S.M. Sultan: An Artist Close to Life and Social Reality'. Abdul Halim Chanchal, Director of the Department of Fine Arts at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will deliver the welcome speech. This year, Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar will receive the 'Sultan Award-2026'.
SM Sultan, born on August 10, 1924, in the Masumdia area of Narail, was a legendary artist who significantly influenced the art world in Bangladesh. His simple yet profound art, deeply rooted in the nature and people of Bangladesh, continues to inspire new generations of painters. Sultan's works were exhibited internationally, including in Simla, India, Lahore and Karachi in 1948-49, and New York, Boston, London, and the University in 1959. He received numerous awards, such as the Ekushey Padak in 1982, the Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Award in 1986, and the Swadhinata Padak in 1993. Sultan passed away on October 10, 1994, and was buried in Narail.






























