The 18th death anniversary of playwright Selim Al Deen was observed at Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Tuesday with a daylong program.
Selim Al Deen was the founder and first chairperson of the university’s Department of Drama and Dramatics. The department organizes these events every year.
The day began with a memorial procession at 10am, starting at the Old Arts Building and proceeding to the playwright’s grave beside the central mosque.
Inaugurating the procession, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said: “Selim Al Deen’s contribution to the tradition-based modernism of Bengali theatre is unforgettable. When we explore the roots of Bengalee philosophy and tradition, Selim Al Deen stands as a prominent figure in modern Bengal.
“We are recognized through our association with this university. The name Selim Al Deen brings honour to Jahangirnagar University. Dr Selim Al Deen will remain immortal through his creations.”
Following the inauguration, the VC, Pro-VC (administration), Department of Drama and Dramatics Chairperson Prof Dr Fahmida Akhter and other faculty members, students and theatre artists participated in the memorial procession.
From the morning, cultural activists gathered at Selim Al Deen’s grave.
Tributes were paid to him by Bangladesh Gram Theatre, Dhaka Theatre, Jahangirnagar Theatre, the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) and artists and cultural organizations.
The daylong program included a photography exhibition at 11:30am, followed by a cultural event at 11:40am.
At 12:30pm, ventriloquism was performed by Swapnil Sohel and at 1pm, the “Jemon Khushi Temon Koro” (Do as You Like) presentation took place.
At 3pm, a seminar titled “Drama: Language in Context” was held at the Department of Drama and Dramatics’ Set Lab.
Selim Al Deen was born on August 18, 1949, in Senirkhil village under Sonagazi Thana in Feni. The recipient of the Bangla Academy Literary Award and the Ekushey Padak passed away on January 14, 2008, in Dhaka.
Selim Al Deen completed his secondary education at Mangal Kandi Secondary School in Senirkhil in 1964 and higher secondary at Feni College in 1966.
In 1967, he enrolled in the Bangla Department at Dhaka University but left after his second year.
He completed his bachelor’s degree at Saadat College in Tangail and later obtained his master’s degree in Bangla Language and Literature from Dhaka University.
In 1995, he earned a PhD from Jahangirnagar University. He joined JU as a lecturer in the Bangla Department in 1974.
