Shamsur Rahman's works guide for progressives
The works of poet Shamsur Rahman would continue to guide democratic and progressive people forever and serve as a symbol of protest against all undemocratic rulers and evil powers, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.
The poet's works portrayed Bangladesh's evolution, from the British period to the post-independence era. His philosophy is reflected in his works which in turn mirrored the philosophy of the 1971 Liberation War, they said.
Bangla Academy organised the discussion in its seminar room in the capital to recall the contributions of the poet to Bangla literature.
Prof Baitullah Quaderee of Dhaka University stated that Shamsur Rahman was a guardian of the country in resistance to the emergence of undemocratic government in 1975, which led to democratic crises and dominance of autocratic and military rule.
“Poet Shamsur Rahman had the courage to protest against military rule. Now we do not see anyone like him,” he said.
DU Prof Rafique Ullah Khan, presenting the keynote paper, said Shamsur Rahman's works turned into the voice of the masses when the autocratic and military rulers commandeered the democratic rights of the people.
University of Information Technology and Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Samad said that above all, poet Shamsur Rahman was an idealist with an affable personality.
Eminent litterateur Prof Hayat Mamud chaired the discussion. Syed Hasan Imam and Qazi Arif recited two of the poet's poems.
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