Shamsur Rahman’s birth anniversary today

Late eminent poet Shamsur Rahman’s 92nd birthday is being observed today (Saturday).

One of the most acclaimed poets of contemporary Bangla literature Shamsur Rahman was born on October 23, 1929, at his grandfather’s house in Mahuttuli, Dhaka.

He was born to Mokhlesur Rahman Choudhury and Amena Khatun.

He studied in Pogose School in Dhaka during his childhood. He passed his matriculation in 1945 and intermediate from Dhaka College in 1947. He started writing poetry at the age of 18. His first poem Unishsha Unapanchash was published in 1943.

Shamsur Rahman took admission at the English department of Dhaka University but did not attend any examinations for three years. After that he got admitted to the B.A. pass course and received his degree in 1953 and then also got his MA degree.
Meanwhile, five of his poems were published in Natun Kabita in1950, an anthology of poems of thirteen young poets.

His first book of poetry ‘Prothom Gaan Dwityo Mrittyur Agey’ was published in 1960. Since then he presented the nation many popular poems like Asad-er Shirt, Swadhinata Tumi Tomake Pawar Jonno Hey Swadhinata and others.

Shamsur Rahman was a columnist and journalist too. He had served as the editor of a national daily, Dainik Bangla and the Weekly Bichitra in the 1980s.

Along with many novels and essays the great poet authored a total of 60 poetry books. Shamsur Rahman used to depict the liberal humanism, human relations, youth, patriotism and oppose religious fundamentalism through his creations.

For his contribution in Bengali literature poet Shamsur Rahman was honored with enormous prestigious awards including Ekushey Padak (1977), Independence Day Award (1991), Bangla Academy Literary Award (1969), Mitsubishi Award of Japan (1992), Ananda Puroshker from India (1994), TLM South Asian Literature Award for the Masters (2006) and others.

Shamsur Rahman went through a major cardiac surgery on two occasions. His health broke down at the end of the 1990s. He died of heart and kidney failure at the age of 77, on August 17, 2006, in Dhaka.