DHAKA, Feb 15, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a discussion today said understanding poet Al Mahmud is essential to understanding Bangladesh, as he brought the enduring folk traditions and rural ethos of Bengal into the mainstream of modern Bangla poetry.

They made the remarks at a memorial meeting held at the Al Mahmud Corner of Bangla Academy in the capital, marking his 6th death anniversary.

The speakers said that after Polli Kobi Jasimuddin, Al Mahmud most successfully incorporated indigenous life and culture into contemporary Bangla literature. 

They added that the roots of modern Bangla poetry cannot be fully understood without the author of Sonali Kabin.

The programme was organised by Kaler Kolosh and chaired by United Nations Civil Society organization representative Dr Abul Kashem Sheikh.