State Minister for Information Prof Sayeed yesterday said wayside drama could play a significant role In rooting out fundamentalism and autocracy from the country's soil, reports BSS.

"Street dramas can forge an effective social movement to abate every national crisis In the political and social sectors like spat in terrorism, extortion, religious fanaticism and every kinds of social discrimination." he said this while inaugurating a week-long wayside drama festival 2000 In the Central Shaheed Minar premises.

The function is organised by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation.

Presided over by federation's chairperson Sara Zaker It was addressed, among others, by noted educationist Prof Mustafa Nurul Islam, Sammilito Sangskrilik Jote president Ra-mendu Majumdar, drama personality and freedom fighter Nasir Uddin Yusuf. Pljush Bandopaddhay. general secretary of the Group Theatre Federation Liakat All Lucky, convenor of the wayside drama celebration committee M Hamid and Kera-mal Mawla.

"Anti-liberation fundamentalist forces with the help of autocrats and vote dacoit are working to foil development activities of the country so that the nation can never become self-reliant," he said.

Prof Mustafa Nurul Islam said whenever national crises come, people irrespective of party affiliation resort to the wayside dramas to express their views in solving the crises. He said the Bangalees on different occasions as part national, movement in 1952. 1970, 1980’ and also In the autocrat movement In 1990 they organised wayside dramas. He wished success of the festival and added that the drama activists will play a pioneering role to attain the cherished goals of progress.

A total ol 32 theatre groups from across the country are taking part in the festival.