Inauguration ceremony of the festival

Theatre personalities seen with Former Chief Justice Habibur Rahman (4-L) and Sayeed Ahmed (5-L) at the opening ceremony

In her welcome speech, Rokeya Rafiq Baby, the chief of Theatre Art Unit as well as the convenor of the festival, said 'Our objective is to stage quality plays. The festival is a joyous occasion to be shared with the audience.'

Subsequently, Mohammad Bari announced the names of the pioneer theatre personalities such as Momotaz Uddin Ahmed, Ramendu Majumdar, Abdullah Al Mamun, Mamunur Rashid, Ataur Rahman, Aly Zaker, Nasiruddin Yousuff Bachchu, Selim Al Deen, M Hamid, Ferdausi Majumdar, Sara Zaker, Shimul Yousuff, Hem Chandra Bhatyacharya, Khondokar Golam Kader, Mahiuddin Lalu and Mazed Rana. The troupe honoured them for their contribution to the neo-theatre-movement in post-Liberation Bangladesh.

Later, the theatre personalities shared their experiences in theatre with the audience.

Sayeed Ahmed read a written speech on the play Golapjan.

Justice Habibur Rahman said, 'It is remarkable that besides theatre personalities of Dhaka, the troupe has also honoured theatre personalities at the district level.' He added, 'In Bangladesh, the continuation of collective work like theatre for so many years is an appreciable effort.'

Theatre Art Unit's weeklong drama festival, titled Jagi Ananda Bhairabe, is dedicated to the memory of theatre personality late SM Solaiman.