National Street Theatre Fest in Dhaka

The weeklong National Street Theatre Festival (Jatiyo Pothonatyo Utsab) is currently on at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital.

The festival, organised by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, was inaugurated by Artist Shahabuddin Ahmed on January 31, while Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor attended the inauguration ceremony as chief guest.

The festival began with the National Anthem followed by songs marking the arrival of February, the month of the glorious Language Movement. On the opening evening, Charunirom Theatre staged “Pak Motor-Bangla Motor”, scripted by Gazi Rakayet.

The second day's programme included recitation, Ekusher Gaan and street plays.

Throughout the seven days, the fest will see the staging of more than 30 plays by troupes from different corners of the country.     

Every day, a good number of people gather at the Shaheed Minar to watch the theatrical performances. They sit on the floor and watch plays -- which are broadly based on the Language Movement and the Liberation War.