A 10-day theatre festival titled 'Amar Ekushey Natyotsab 2025,' jointly organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, kicked off on Wednesday at the open stage of Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.

Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, joined the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest and inaugurated the festival. Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Secretary General Kamal Bayezid presided over the inauguration ceremony.

Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Deputy Director of the Theatre and Film Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, delivered the welcome speech. Khandaker Shah Alam, Convener of 'Amar Ekushey Natyotsab 2025,' also spoke at the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed reflected on the golden era of theatre in Bangladesh, saying: "During the 1970s and 1980s, theatre flourished across the country, largely due to extensive groundwork in the 1950s and 1960s at the district level."

He emphasized the role of theatre in addressing social and political anomalies, saying, "Through theatre, we must highlight the deviations in our society and state, planting dreams and aspirations in the minds of our people. Our theatrical productions should serve as a guide, a vision of what our country should be; because if we fail to create this space, if we neglect our responsibilities just like during the ousted fascist regime - a void will be created."

Dr Jamil further mentioned the ongoing efforts of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to expand theatrical activities, stating, "We have already reached the district level and aim to extend our work to the upazila level in the future, covering theatre, folk drama, and music."

He also urged all theatre groups to come together, adding, "We must move forward, and we must ensure that Baul music festivals, kite festivals, theatre, and dance performances continue uninterrupted. Any disruption to these activities will not only harm our artistic practices but also damage our reputation across the world. I call upon theatre groups to unite and present to the people our vision of the Bangladesh we desire."

Following the inaugural session, the play 'Dwip' was staged by Natyatirtha as the inaugural play of this year's festival.

Open to all, the festival will continue till February 28, with two plays daily from 6 pm onwards.