Narail, August 10 — The birth centenary of internationally acclaimed painter SM Sultan was commemorated today in Narail district with a series of solemn events. The celebration began with a Qur'an Khani, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the artist's shrine, a visit to the shrine, and a doa mahfil.

Key figures present at the event included Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Arafat Hossain, Additional Superintendent of Police Tarek Al Mehdi, Ansar VDP District Adjutant Bikash Chandra Biswas, and SM Sultan Collection Shala Curator Tandra Mukherjee.

While extensive preparations had been made by Sultan's admirers for a grand celebration of the centenary, the ongoing situation in the country necessitated a scaled-down observance. Mohammad Ashfaqul Haque Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner and President of the OSM Sultan Foundation, stated that only a Koran Khatam and wreath-laying at Sultan's tomb were possible this year.

Born on August 10, 1924, in Machimdia village of Narail municipality, SM Sultan was the son of Mecher Ali and Maju Bibi. Throughout his life, Sultan received numerous accolades, including the Ekushey Padak in 1982, the Independence Day Award in 1993, and recognition as a Resident Artist in 1984. His international honors included being named "Man of the Year" by Cambridge University in 1986 and receiving the "Man of Achievement" and "Man of Asia" awards from the Biographical Center in New York and Asia Week magazine, respectively.

SM Sultan passed away on October 10, 1994, at Jessore Combined Military Hospital. He was laid to rest in the Kurigram area of Narail, where he remains in eternal sleep.