World-renowned artist SM Sultan. Photo : Collected

NARAIL Oct 9, 2025 (BSS) - The 31st death anniversary of world-renowned artist SM Sultan will be observed in the district tomorrow in a befitting manner.

In observance of the anniversary, SM Sultan Foundation and Narail district administration have chalked out a daylong program at Sultan Complex and Shishu Swargo in the district town.

The daylong programs include paying tributes to the iconic artist through offering wreaths, Qurankhwani, milad mahfil, art competition for children, prize distribution and discussion on the Sultan's life and works.
 
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC-General) Linkon Biswas said all preparations have been made for a successful observance of the death anniversary of the legendary artist. Narail Deputy Commissioner (DC) who is also SM Sultan Foundation President Sharmin Akhter Jahan will attend the program as the chief guest.

Sultan hit the headlines in the art world long before he was known as a painter to the people of his homeland. Leading a very simple life far away from the madding crowd in his village, the selfless painter spent most of his life with painting and art paintbrush.

His very simple but highly philosophic art which revealed in nature and the people of Bangladesh, has become the prime source of inspiration for the new generation of painters.

His artworks were shown in Simla of India in 1946, in Lahore and Karachi in 1948-49 and paintings were exhibited in New York, Boston,London and Michigan University in 1959, long before the exhibition at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in 1976.

He joined the International conference of painters in America in 1950 as the representative of the then-Pakistan government. 

SM Sultan, a legendary artist of Bangladesh, won Ekushey Padak in 1982, Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Award in 1986 and the Swadhinata Padak in 1993.

He was titled the "Man of Asia" in 1982 by Cambridge University and Bangladesh government named him a resident of artist in 1984.

Sultan was born to a poor family in Masumdia area in Narail town on August 10, 1924.

He died at Jashore Combined Military Hospital on October 10, 1994. He was buried in the yard of his own house in the Masumdia-Kurigram area of Narail Municipality.