The SM Sultan Memorial Museum in Narail, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the celebrated artist, is currently facing neglect and lack of protection. A two-story jetty project named Sultan Ghat, designed in the shape of a boat along the Chitra riverbank, remains unfinished due to insufficient funds. The museum, situated beside the Chitra river, showcases 23 original paintings by SM Sultan and 51 replicas of his creations. However, it is struggling with maintenance issues and a shortage of staff.
Renowned artist Nayon Baidya expressed concern, stating that visitors, both local and international, visit the museum year-round, especially during extended holidays, but are often disappointed due to inadequate facilities and curation. Tandra Mukharjee, the museum’s curator, highlighted the critical shortage of manpower, emphasizing the need for additional staff to enhance visitor experiences.
Local demands have arisen for the completion of Sultan Ghat’s construction, which commenced in June 2018 but was halted due to financial constraints. The unfinished jetty, now overrun by weeds and shrubbery after seven years, reflects a disregard for preserving the artist’s memory, as noted by educator Noor Alam Khan from Bagerhat.
Wazir Ali, the headteacher of Narail Collectorate School, stressed the need for a university in Narail in honor of SM Sultan to elevate education standards in the area, drawing parallels to Rabindra University in Sirajganj and National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Mymensingh.
Tourists flock to Narail to admire the landscapes that inspired Sultan’s masterpieces, expressing disappointment over the subpar facilities. Karima Akhter, a college student from Gopalganj, praised Sultan’s mesmerizing paintings but called for site renovations to better accommodate visitors.
Sharmin Akhter Jahan, Narail Deputy Commissioner and chairperson of the Sultan Foundation, disclosed ongoing efforts to secure ministry approval for museum renovations, expansion, and ghat enhancements.
SM Sultan, born on August 10, 1924, in Narail, gained fame for his compassionate depictions of rural Bengal life. Known as the “Lal Mia of the Chitra riverbank,” Sultan was posthumously honored with the Ekushey Padak in 1982 and the Independence Award in 1993. He passed away on October 10, 1994, and was laid to rest beside the Chitra River, where the SM Sultan Memorial Museum now stands as a tribute to his artistic legacy.