Sukanta Bhattacharya's mural lies neglected in Gopalganj

Poet Sukanta Bhattacharya's mural at his ancestral home in Kotalipara, Gopalganj, has never been maintained since it was made.  It is covered in dust, with weeds sprouting around the art.

The boundaries that once protected the mural are broken, leaving an opening for domestic animals to enter and further damage the place.

Sources said the mural was built by the Upazila Parishad in 2016. Since then it has drawn commuters and tourists alike to Sikirbazar intersection on the Gopalganj-Poisharhat road.

Local poet Mintu Roy, said: "The study of Sukanta's literature is in as dire a state as the mural is nowadays. Its his ancestral home, yet very few here understand his skill in rebel poetry. We don't even celebrate his birth and death anniversary here.

"Here we have a library in his name and a four day fair is held every year, but that is not enough. I request the authorities to establish a literature and cultural centre focused solely on the works of Sukanta. If this could be done, the beauty of his poetry could be passed on to more people of the younger generation."

Ashok Karmokar, president of Kotalipara unit of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, said: "We were really happy when the mural was constructed. However, neglecting such an art is saddening, as it only reflects our lack of interest in preserving the poet's memory."

Tourist Tapan Basu from Barisal, said: "Sukanta's mural is a pleasant sight for tourists, although it has not been maintained. His poetry inspires people to fight against social and economic injustice. We should take care of the mural properly out of respect for Sukanta."

Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Mahfuzur Rahman, said: "We have plans to establish a tourist spot here in his name. The mural will also be maintained and preserved in the near future."

Sukanta Bhattacharya, born on August 15, 1926 in Kolkata, became one of the key figures of 20th century Bangla poetry alongside Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, despite the fact that most of his works were published posthumously. 

His poetry is characterized by rebel socialist thoughts, patriotism, and humanism, and by romanticism as well.

Long before the partition of India in 1947, the poet’s father Nibaran Bhattacharya left their ancestral home in Unshia village in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj, and left for Kolkata. 

He died of tuberculosis at the Jadavpur TB Hospital in Kolkata on May 13, 1947, at the age of 21.  

A comprehensive account of the poet's life can be found in “Kobi Sukanta Bhattacharya O Sei Somoy,” written by the poet's youngest brother, Amiya Bhattacharya.