A daylong drama festival on human rights, 'Manobadhiker Nattya Utshab' was held in jifipurhat recently to educate the masses on issues regarding human rights through stage plays, recitations, songs, dances and discussions.

Deputy Commissioner of Jaipurhat, Nitai Pada Das, formally inaugurated the festival at Shaheed Doctor Abul Kashem xMaidan in the town. Md. Shafiqul Islam, Police Super of Jaipurhat was present as theYpeciaTguesl.

The programme started with a rendition of the Tagore song Aguner Parashmoni, performed by artistes of Jaipurhat Ranbindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad, a wing of National Rabindra Sangeet

Parishad.

The festival also honoured three eminent personalities for their contribution in their respective hefcls --Md Nazir Uddin Ahmed (education), Khoibar Ali (journalism) and Ajit Kumar Mondal (cultural). The DC of Jaipurhat handed over crests to the award recipients.

At the discussion, speakers demanded the trial of war criminals as soon as possible. Utpal Kumar Mondal, convenor of Manobadhiker Nattya Utshab, presided over the meeting.

Five plays were staged by young artistes of Jaipurhat district highlighting the issues of human rights violation and how people are often deprived of their rights. Plays including Shar Shankot (Fertiliser Crisis) received warm response from the audience.

The festival wrapped up with the staging ofTagore's Chhuti. The play was directed by Md. Aminul Islam Babul.

The festival was jointly organised by Jaipurhat Manobadhiker Nattya Parishad and Jatiya Ranbindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad.