Organised by Bangladesh Patho Natok Parishad, a weeklong street theatre festival has begun on March 1. The festival was inaugurated at the Central Shaheed Minar premises in Dhaka. Plays are being staged at the amphitheatre inside Suhrawardi Udyan since yesterday.

Sculptor Ferdausi Priobhashini formally inaugurated the festival. Director general of Bangaldesh Shilpakala Academy and chairman of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, Liaquat Ali Lucky, and Shammilito Sangskritik Jote leaders Golam Kuddus and Hasan Arif were the special guests at the inaugural ceremony.

Mizanur Rahman, general secretary of the Patho Natok Parishad, delivered the welcome speech, while theatre activist Ahmed Gias read out the festival memorandum. Mannan Heera, president of the organisation, presided over the session.

On the inaugural day, four troupes staged their plays mainly based on the Liberation War. Before the plays, artistes of Gano Sangeet Shamonnay Parishad rendered patriotic songs including the national anthem.

Plays staged on the first day were: "Abaro Bangladesh" (by Natyadhara), “Chaitanya” (BangladeshTheatre), “Chor” (PadatikNatya Sangshad,TSC) and “Shekel Bhangar Gaan” (Mahakal).

Liza Asma wrote and directed “Abaro Bangladesh". "Chaitanya” was written by Khandakar Shah Alam and directed by RaSque Ullah. Padatik’s “Chor” was written and directed by Kazi Rafiq. Mahakal's "Shekol Bhangar Gaan” was written by Anuj Sharif and directed by Shahnewaz.

Nearly 50 plays by different troupes from and outside Dhaka will be staged throughout the festival. Everyday the show will begin at 4pm.