The city of Barishal commemorated the 127th birth anniversary of renowned poet Jibanananda Das with various events organized by local poets, writers, and cultural enthusiasts. In a tribute ceremony held at the Jibanananda Das Memorial Auditorium and Library, members of Pragati Lekhak Sangha and Barishal Kabita Parishad laid floral wreaths at the poet’s mural situated in his ancestral home.
During a discussion session led by poet Tapankor Chakraborty, participants advocated for the establishment of a research center, an extensive library, and a museum dedicated to Jibanananda Das at Sarbananda Bhaban, part of the present Department of Public Health Engineering office. They emphasized that despite Jibanananda Das’s significant tenure teaching English at Government Brajamohan College from 1935 to 1946, there has been limited effort to promote research and study of his literary works.
A speaker expressed concern that visitors from outside Barishal often leave feeling dissatisfied due to the inadequate preservation of the poet’s legacy in the city. Jibanananda Das was recognized not only as a prominent figure in Bengali literature but also as a unique voice in global literary circles. The pivotal role played by researcher Clinton B Seely in introducing Jibanananda Das’s works to English-speaking audiences was also acknowledged during the event.
The gathering included notable figures such as Tunurani Karmakar, Apurba Gautam, Abul Kalam Azad, Shovon Karmakar, and Subhash Chandra Das, among others.
