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The 98th birth anniversary of Shamsur Rahman, one of the leading poets of Bengali literature, is being observed today. He was born on this day in 1929 in Mahut Tuli, Old Dhaka.
His nickname was Bacchu. His father was Mokhlesur Rahman Chowdhury and his mother was Amena Begum. Aspiring to become a writer, he dropped the ancestral surname ‘Chowdhury’ from his name.
Raised in Dhaka, Shamsur Rahman’s poetry vividly portrayed the joys and sorrows, hardships and realities of urban life.
His poems also gave distinctive expression to the Bengali Language Movement, the struggle for liberation and the spirit of independence. His works hold an important place in Bengali literature for reflecting human values, secularism and democratic ideals.
His first poetry collection, Prothom Gan Ditiyo Mrityur Agey (First Song Before the Second Death), was published in 1960. During his long literary career, he wrote not only poetry but also novels, essays, rhymes and translations.
His published works include 66 poetry collections, four novels, one essay collection, one book of rhymes and six translated books.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to literature, Shamsur Rahman received numerous awards and honours, including the Independence Award and the Ekushey Padak. He was one of the pioneers in portraying modern urban life and contemporary social realities in Bengali poetry.
The poet died on August 17, 2006. Even after his death, his poetry continues to resonate with readers as a powerful expression of the Bengali people’s aspirations for independence, protest, love and humanity.
