Bangladesh Patho Natok Utshab 2011, a weeklong street theatre festival to mark the 40th anniversary of independence, began at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in Dhaka on March 1.

The Daily Star and Bangladesh Patho Natok Parishad have jointly organised the event that features nearly 50 plays by different troupes from all over the country. On the inaugural day, five plays were staged.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid inaugurated the festival, attending the programme as chief guest.

Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, was special guest at the opening ceremony.

The guests along with the organisers paid tribute to the martyred from all movements through offering wreaths at the Shaheed Minar alter. They also observed one minute silence in their honour.

Theatre personalities Ramendu Majumder, Mamunur Rashid, Liakat Ali Lucky, M. Hamid, Selim S.H. Chowdhury

(also GM, events and production, The Daily Star) and Golam Kuddus, among others, spoke at the ceremony presided over by Patho Natok Parishad president Mannan Heera.

The Education Minister said that theatre activists can use the platform of street theatre to create awareness against social evils like eve teasing. He also lauded theatre activists' efforts to highlight the spirit of the Liberation War. He declared that the government will emphasise on theatre education at primary and secondary levels.

MahfuzAnam said that theatre has a major impact, like literature, and can lead to an enlightened life. He also praised Patho Natok Parishad's activities. "It is important to understand the spirit of socio-political and cultural movements. Patho Natok Parishad has been working tirelessly to uphold this spirit," he said.

Theatre personalities present at the event urged the government to implement the trial of war criminals without delay.

After the inauguration, Aranyak

Natyadal staged its play "Khekshial". Written and directed by Mannan Heera, the play focuses on the trial of war crimi-

Other plays staged on the day were "Dahon" by Banalata Natya Sangsad,

Jhenidah; "Razakarer Kechchha" by Natyadwip; "The Mad" by Subachan Natya Sangsad and "Ishtehar" by Shattik Natya Sampraday.

The programme, which continues till March 7, starts everyday at 4pm.