Muktobak Revisits Jibanananda’s Life and Death through Literary Tribute

Bengali poet Jibanananda Das’s literary legacy and the enduring mystery surrounding his death came into focus at a commemorative programme in Dhaka, where recitations, readings from his writings and musical performances offered audiences a closer look at the life and work of one of the most influential figures in modern Bengali literature.

Organised by recitation group Muktobak, the programme, titled ‘Maribar Halo Tar Sadh’, was held at the Chhayanaut auditorium on Thursday night to mark the poet’s 72nd death anniversary, which fell on October 22.

The presentation brought together his Bengali and English poems, letters, essays and excerpts from his novels, alongside songs based on his poetry. Through the selection of literary works, the organisers sought to explore his distinctive vision of Bengal’s natural landscape, his use of surrealism and his reflections on human existence.

Muktobak executive head Iqbal Khorshed said the programme also sought to challenge the long-standing speculation that the poet had deliberately ended his life.
“There is a rumour about Jibanananda that he committed suicide, but that is not true at all,” he said.

Khorshed said the organisers had drawn on the poet’s letters, essays, novel excerpts and poems in both Bengali and English to present their position on his death. Recollections of his wife, Labanyaprabha Das, and daughter, Manjusree Das, were also incorporated into the presentation.

According to Khorshed, the accounts suggested that the poet wanted to survive and died from complications following his injuries. He recalled that, while receiving treatment, Jibanananda had poignantly asked, “Will I live?”

The poet was struck by a tram near Deshapriya Park in Kolkata on October 14, 1954, while returning from his regular evening walk. He died in hospital eight days later, on October 22, aged 55. Although speculation about the circumstances of the accident has persisted for decades, the precise circumstances remain disputed.

At Thursday’s programme, Khorshed recited Jibanananda’s Bengali poems, while Professor Ahmed Reza, Iram Mahfuza, Madhura Kinkini Rupkatha and Amiya Amanita presented his English poems. Mahmuda Akhter, Ashraf Ali Sarkar Likhon and Rahmat Ara Lipi read from his letters.

Nayla Tarannum Chowdhury Kakoli and Syed Faysal Ahmed presented excerpts from his novel ‘Malyaban’. Rubina Shahnaz Rupa and Raihan Haider Ranjan anchored the narration, while Rabita Sabah Rikhi performed songs inspired by his poetry.

The programme also explored the poet’s treatment of nature and women, themes that recur throughout his work and contribute to his distinctive literary voice.

In a separate initiative, Srot Recitation Council and Bhola Recitation Council jointly organised ‘Jibanananda Smaran-2026’ to commemorate the poet.

Born in Barishal on February 17, 1899, Jibanananda became renowned for his evocative portrayal of Bengal’s landscapes, solitude and the complexities of modern life. His major works include ‘JharaPalok’, ‘Dhushar Pandulipi’, ‘Banalata Sen’, ‘Mahaprithibi’ and ‘Saat-ti Tarar Timir’. His celebrated collection ‘Rupashi Bangla’ was published posthumously in 1957.

More than seven decades after his death, his poetry continues to shape Bengali literary imagination, while his life and untimely end remain subjects of continuing interest.