Theatre festival of ethnic people begins in city

A conference on diverse culture and second theatre festival of ethnic people began in the city yesterday.
Ethnic language movement hero U Sue and National Professor Kabir Chowdhury inaugurated the programme at Shilpakala Academy.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, academics, artists and government officials called for equal rights of the ethnic people who are deprived of their basic rights as ensured by the constitution.
Speaking as chief guest, Education and Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman said it is very important to show respect to ethnic minority.
“We want to build up a society where equal rights for all will prevail,” he added.
The adviser said to make a beautiful country everybody has to show respect for each other in national and political life.
“The cultural diversity of the ethnic minority is our asset. We have to give proper attention to them and work to develop their social and economic conditions," he added.
Prof Mesbah Kamal, theatre activists Ramendu Majumdar, Nasir Uddin Yousuff, Aly Zaker, BSA Director General Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, and ActionAid Country Director Farah Kabir also addressed the programme.
The organisers said the programme will portray the cultural diversity of the minority people.
About 30 lakh ethnic people, including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Santal, Garo, Khasia and Manipuri live in Bangladesh, they added.
Research and Development Collective in association with the Action Aid Bangladesh and Shilpakala Academy have organised the festival.
The inaugural programme was followed by a drama titled 'Karma Dharma' which was staged by Pauamdo theatre.