In memory of Shaheed Munier Chowdhury, Department of Film and Theatre, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a two-day commemorative programme. The programme was held from March 1 at National Theatre Hall of BSA. The programme featured a discussion on Shaheed Munier Chowdhury and staging of his plays, according to a press release.

Professor Anisuzzaman, chairman of Bangla Academy inaugurated the programme as chief guest while theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar, also president worldwide of International Theatre Institute graced the event as special guest. Liakat Ali Lucky, director general of BSA presided over the programme. Sara Ara Mahmud, director of Department of Film and Theatre, BSA; Professor Bishwajit Ghosh of the Department of Bengali Literature of Dhaka University took part as discussants.

Prof Bishwajit Ghosh was the key speaker on the opening day. He highlighted various aspects of the checkered life and works of Chowdhury. The speakers said that that Chowdhury was an educationist, cultural personality and playwright who raised his voice against all forms of superstition, religious bigotry and repression during the pre -independence period of the country. He was secular to the core of his heart.

The discussion was followed by the staging of “Dondo", written by Munier Chowdhury. Directed by Mohammad Jasim Uddin, the story of the play reveals the inequalities of social life through satire, absurdity and thoughts. Saki Farzana, Bidyut Sarkar and Mahbub Liton played different characters for the play.

The closing day (yesterday) of the programme featured a discussion and a show of Aranyak Natyadal's production, "Kabar”, written by Munier Chowdhury. Theatre personality Mamunur Rashid spoke on the occasion.