The 32nd death anniversary of internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan is being observed in his hometown Narail with various programmes.

The programmes were organised by the district administration on Sultan Memorial Museum premises, beginning at 9am.

Representatives of the district administration, SM Sultan Bengal Institute of Fine Arts, SM Sultan Foundation, SM Sultan Memorial Museum, Narail Press Club, District Shilpakala Academy, SM Sultan Children’s Fine Arts and Crafts Foundation, Murchhana Sangeet Niketan and various political and social organisations paid tribute to the artist by placing wreaths at his grave.

The observance included the recitation of the Quran, special prayers, an art competition for children and adolescents, a discussion meeting and a prize distribution ceremony.

SM Sultan died at the Combined Military Hospital in Jashore on October 10, 1994. He was born on August 10, 1924, in Machimdia village of Narail.

In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Sultan received the Ekushey Padak in 1982 and the Independence Award in 1993. He was also recognised as a resident artist in 1984 and received an honour from the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad in 1986.

His other international accolades included the ‘Man of the Year’ recognition from Cambridge University, ‘Man of Achievement’ from the Biographical Centre in New York and ‘Man of Asia’ from Asiaweek magazine.

Since 2001, the SM Sultan Foundation has awarded the Sultan Gold Medal to an outstanding artist in recognition of their contribution to the field of fine arts.