Imran Ali Orko, a theatre activist in his university days, came with his wife to frequent the book fair, with a wish to not miss the Natya Utsab.
He said: “Apart from books, dramas have long played a vital role in our culture. They help us to refresh our minds and think deeply about our society, culture, and the discrimination and irregularities of our state.”
Echoing the sentiments of other visitors, he lauded the arrangements of the Bangla Academy.
Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF), in association with the cultural affairs ministry and Bangla Academy, organised the third year of the drama festival, launched in 2015.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor had inaugurated the festival with cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar and dramatist Ataur Rahman.
At Mukta Mancha, 27 theatre groups will stage productions with 27 other troupes staging street plays to begin at 4:30 pm every day.
The fifth day of the fair saw 87 new books come in with seven being formally unveiled at Bangla Academy yesterday.
A seminar and cultural event were also held on the day to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Ahsan Habib (1917-1985) at Bangla Academy.
Poet Tushar Das presented the keynote paper, with Dr Anu Hossain and Dr Tareq Reza speaking at the event, and Professor Julfiker Matin presiding.
Tushar said: “The poet is becoming more important for our culture, and his creations are spreading light for society. He is an iconic legend for youth, and his life inspires the youth of this nation.”
The book fair will remain open from 3pm to 8:30pm every day and from 11am to 8:30pm on holidays.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
