Bangladesh is paying tribute to legendary American poet Allen Ginsberg on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, remembering his enduring connection to the country through the iconic poem September on Jessore Road.
A leading figure of the Beat Generation, Ginsberg was known for his anti-war activism, advocacy of free expression, and influence on generations of writers and artists. His poem September on Jessore Road, written after witnessing the plight of refugees during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, remains one of the most powerful literary works highlighting the humanitarian crisis of that period.
The anniversary has renewed interest in Ginsberg’s relationship with Bangladesh, including his admiration for Bengali culture and his engagement with the works of renowned mystic poet Lalon Shah. Inspired by Lalon, Ginsberg later wrote and recorded poems under the title After Lalon.
More than five decades after Bangladesh’s independence, Ginsberg’s writings continue to keep the country’s history and cultural heritage alive for readers around the world, securing his place in the hearts of many Bangladeshis.
