On the occasion of the 108th birth anniversary of one of the leading poets of modern Bengali literature, Farrukh Ahmed, a discussion was held today, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Rezakul Haider Hall of Eastern University under the chairmanship of Honorable Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Farid Ahmed Sobhani. Titled “How Late is the Panjeri at Night? Exploring Farrukh’s World of Poetry”, the meeting discussed the poet’s poetic practice, philosophy and literary legacy in detail, a press release said.
The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The university’s Registrar Dr. Abul Bashar Khan delivered the welcome address at the program. Later, a brief but informative introduction to the life and literary works of Farrukh Ahmed was presented in the introduction to the poet section.
Abdul Hai Sikder, a prominent poet and editor of the Daily Jugantar, was present as the main discussant at the event. He highlighted the humanism, spirit of Muslim revival and various aspects of artistic beauty in Farrukh Ahmed’s poetry. His discussion highlighted how Farrukh Ahmed’s poetry has shaped the desire for liberation of the people into poetic language. He said that the works of poet Farrukh Ahmed are still relevant even after a century. He highlighted the depth and breadth of the poet’s literary works and also shed light on the ongoing research activities on the poet’s life and literature. He further said that Farrukh Ahmed’s literary works are not just literature; they are an important document of the self-identity and struggle of the oppressed and deprived people.
Eastern University Treasurer Professor Md. Shamsul Huda spoke at the event. He paid deep respect to Farrukh Ahmed’s poetic practice and expressed his determination to continue such literary and cultural events on behalf of the university.
In his speech as the president, Professor Dr. Farid Ahmed Sobhani said that Farrukh Ahmed was one of the leading poets of the Muslim Renaissance and Islamic awakening. He encouraged the students to read and study Farrukh Ahmed’s literary works and emphasized the importance of presenting his outstanding contribution to Bengali literature to the new generation.
Professor Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the university, also spoke. The convener and moderator of the program was the head of the English Department of the university, Assistant Professor Mr. Rafiussan. The overall management of the program was the deputy director of the Office of Student Affairs and Placement, K. M. Monirul Islam.
The program was attended by university teachers, students, heads of various departments, officials, literature lovers and experts. On this occasion, a poetry recitation by poet Farrukh Ahmed and a photo exhibition based on his life and work were organized. Overall, the program is considered a successful initiative to present the memory and literary works of poet Farrukh Ahmed to the new generation.
