Narail: A two-day 'Sultan Festival' concluded this evening in the district under the arrangement of SM Sultan Shishu Charu O Charukala Foundation at Sultan Mancha premises of Narail Government Victoria College here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festival featured discussion sessions, drawing competitions, cultural events, and a prize-giving ceremony. Renowned artist S. M. Sultan, whose work celebrated the essence of rural life and depicted the struggles and triumphs of the common people, was at the heart of the event. Sultan was born on August 10, 1924, in Machimdia, Narail, and passed away on October 10, 1994, at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore. He was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Machimdia-Kurigram, Narail town.
On the festival's concluding day, five participants, including media worker Farhad Khan, were recognized for their contributions to the photography exhibition. The exhibition showcased a total of 55 artworks, highlighting various aspects of life and nature through the lens of different photographers.
The festival kicked off on Friday morning with over 200 children participating in a drawing competition. Their creative expressions included depictions of the national flag of Bangladesh, scenes of flowers and fruits, rural landscapes, portraits of Sultan, and traditional boat races, capturing the vibrancy of the nation's culture and traditions.
Zila Parishad administrator Md. Mostafizur Rahman Alek graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest. The event also saw the presence of Narail Government Victoria College Principal Professor Haider Ali Dewan, S. M. Sultan Shishu Charu O Charukala Foundation President Sheikh Hanif, and Member Secretary Sasim Sarkar, among others, who celebrated the legacy of Sultan and his contribution to the world of art.