The first such celebration was held in Vienna in 1961 when the International Theatre Institute declared March 27 as the World Drama Day.

From 1962 onwards this day has been observed all over the world. Bangladesh, however, has been celebrating this day since 1984.

The programme started with drama songs at 10 a.m. Seven theatre groups of the country such as Aranyak, Dhaka Theatre, Peoples Theatre Association, Mahakal Theatre, Nagorik Natyangon Ensemble, Dhaka Podatik and Dhrubotan presented popular drama songs.

After lunch, a round table discussion was held. Renowned persons from different walks of life such as Ramendu Majumdar, Momtazuddin Ahmed Ataur Rahman, Jamaluddin Hossain, Mamunur Rashid, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Liakot Ali Lucky, Rafiqunnobi, Tobibul Islam Babu, Tarek Anam Khan, Tarek Masud, Sara Zaker, Dr Sonia Nishat, Dr Mobashsher Ali, Azad Abul Kalam and others took part in it. The topic of the discussion was 'The Impact of Theatre Practice in our National Life.'

Through their discussion, we learnt that theatre in Bangladesh has created many artistes, directors, playwrights, technical designers and limited middle class audience. In that sense theatre has an impact only in micro level. It has no impact at all in the macro level or the social, economical or political aspects of Bangladesh. Even the middle class, the main audience of theatre, is reluctant to come and enjoy theatre due to the lack of theatre halls. The consequence is that a large number of people in the country have no idea of the rich tradition of our main stream theatre.

At the same time they also agreed that theatre in Bangladesh lags behind world drama. However, theatre is the best art form in Bangladesh.

After the round table talk all the theatre activists of the country took part in a huge colourful rally.

In the evening, theatre activists of the country honoured eminent jatra artiste of the country Jyotsna Biswas for her remarkable contribution since 1960.

To conlude the evening, Mostafa Monowar presented a puppet show.