Swapan Kumar Singh :

Distinguished researcher, poet and essayist Nripendralal Das of Sreemangal and noted Rabindra Sangeet artiste Bulbul Islam have been selected for the prestigious “Rabindra Award 2026” introduced by the Bangla Academy.

They are being honoured this year in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Rabindra literary research and Rabindra Sangeet.

According to a press release signed by Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam, the award will be formally conferred at a special programme scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, marking the 165th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Four Decades of Research and Literary Dedication Nripendralal Das was born on November 6, 1949, in Gandharbapur village under Bhunabir Union of Sreemangal upazila in Moulvibazar district. His father was Debendranath Das and mother Labannya Das. He is the youngest among three brothers and one sister.

After completing his honours and master’s degrees in Bangla language and literature from the University of Chittagong, he dedicated his life to teaching, literary pursuits and academic research.
For nearly four decades, he has been conducting extensive research on Rabindranath Tagore’s literature, philosophy, correspondence and the poet’s connection with the Sylhet region.
His original research on the history and influence of Rabindra studies in Sylhet has earned wide appreciation in Bangladesh’s literary arena. He is also credited for bringing regional literary history and cultural heritage into the national academic discourse.

National and International Recognition
In recognition of his contributions to research, humanistic values and intellectual pursuits, Nripendralal Das received the “Dr Mahambrata Foundation Gold Medal Award 2025” and a certificate of honour on November 21, 2025.

The award was presented in association with the Department of World Religions and Culture at University of Dhaka.

He has also received honours and receptions from various literary and cultural organisations at home and abroad.
Notable Publications and Editorial Works
Nripendralal Das has authored nearly 125 essays, poems, short stories, novels and literary works. He said he hopes to publish his complete literary works in 10 volumes in the future.

Among his notable publications are:
Shribhumi Sylhete Rabindranath
Rabindrapatra Grahok Sylhetira
Rabindranath Rasprasthan
Hemantabalar Rabindranath
Gitanjali, Pragya O Pushan
When Rabindranath Tagore first visited Sylhet and spent a night in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar district, a grand commemorative programme was later organised to mark the historic occasion. To preserve the memory of that visit, poet and researcher Nripendralal Das edited the memorial publication Gitanjali, Pragya O Pushan.

He was also associated with the editorial work of Rabirag, a publication centred on Rabindranath Tagore in Moulvibazar.
Among his notable poetry books are Ramyani Ruchira, Onihar Andhokare Ami and Boishalir Proti Sonetguchchho.
Apart from Rabindra studies, he also conducted research on Kazi Nazrul Islam, Radharaman Dutta and Hason Raja. He has also remained actively engaged in writings on Bangladesh’s Liberation War, folk culture and local history.

Dream of Building a Personal Library
Nripendralal Das said his personal collection includes more than 5,000 books by renowned writers from home and abroad. He expressed his long-cherished dream of establishing a personal library with the collection.

If that is not possible, he said, he would prefer to donate the books to a suitable public library so that future generations could benefit from them.

European Tour and Reception Abroad
In July 2024, he travelled across Norway, Italy, France, Sweden and Poland for nearly three months. During the tour, he received receptions from literature enthusiasts in different countries and exchanged views on literature and culture with members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

He also received honorary gifts and commemorative souvenirs from admirers abroad.

Reflections on Rabindra Studies
Reacting emotionally after the announcement of the award, Nripendralal Das said,

“Rabindranath Tagore has been the inspiration behind my research. This award is a recognition of my lifelong dedication and at the same time increases my sense of responsibility.”

He added,
“My lifelong goal has been to bring the Rabindra studies of Sreemangal and the Sylhet region to the national stage through research.”
Addressing the younger generation, he said Rabindra literature nurtures human values and moral consciousness.

“Inwardly, poets realise things far more deeply, while ordinary people often only observe the surface. That is why the younger generation should develop a stronger habit of reading,” he said.
Research on Tagore’s Visit to Kulaura
Nripendralal Das said that in 1919, when Rabindranath Tagore first travelled to Sylhet by train via Guwahati, he spent a night in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar district due to the late hours of the journey.

To preserve the historical significance of the event, Das has carried out long-term research and collected historical documents and information related to the visit. He also published a commemorative memorial volume under his own editorship to mark the historic day.

Family and Personal Life
Currently, Nripendralal Das lives with his wife, two sons and a daughter at his residence in the Pallabi Block area of Purbasha Residential Area in Sreemangal.
His wife is a former teacher. Their elder son works as a physician at North East Medical College Hospital in Sylhet, while the younger son currently lives in Norway.
Bulbul Islam’s Contribution to Rabindra Sangeet

Meanwhile, Bulbul Islam, who was born in Sirajganj, received her early training in classical music under noted music guru Kanchuram Adhikari.

Over the decades, she has established a distinct position in Rabindra Sangeet through her refined style of performance and artistic interpretation.
Her voice, melody and aesthetic presentation have earned her wide appreciation among admirers of Rabindra Sangeet.

Reactions from the Cultural Arena
Prominent figures in the country’s literary and cultural circles believe this year’s Rabindra Award is a significant recognition of Bangladesh’s longstanding contributions to Rabindra studies, literary research and musical heritage.

Many observers said the honour bestowed upon Nripendralal Das, particularly for bringing regional Rabindra scholarship into the national spotlight, would inspire a new generation of researchers and literature enthusiasts.