Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has called upon the theatre activists to step up their efforts to play a vital role in building Bangladesh as a developed country.
"Creativity and human values are developed through theatre activities. We are experiencing a kind of instability and violence all over the world and a change can brought about through cultural practices including theatre," she added.
The Speaker made the remarks while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of two-day national council of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital on Friday.
Drama is a mirror, the language of protest and a sharp reflection of society, and different aspects of people's life are represented through it, the Speaker said.
It is possible to send a message to the people only through the theatre; so there is no alternative to it, she added.
"Our theatre is now internationally recognised and acclaimed. So it is our essential duty to continue the efforts to retain the fame," the Speaker said.
The members of BGTF were 60 to 70 when it started journey.
But the total number of the members of the cultural organisation has already exceeded 200, she said, adding it proves that the BGTF has developed and flourished a lot.
She also emphasised spreading the theatre in the remote areas of the country as the activities are mainly restricted to Dhaka.
The 23rd national council of the BGTF, the platform of the country's theatre troupes, will end today (May 5).
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury inaugurated the council of the BGTF as the chief guest while the federation's chairman Liaquat Ali Lucky was in the chair.
Theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar said the BGTF was formed through movement and struggle.
"It is still very important to talk about communalism and fundamentalism," he added.
Theatre personality Mamunur Rashid demanded establishing theatres in all the districts and upazilas of the country.
Representatives of 233 BGTF member troupes from across the country, who took part in the event, will select a 67-member executive committee for a term of the next three years through casting their votes today (Saturday). The last election was held in 2014.
Liaquat Ali Lucky and BGTF presidium member Jhuna Chowdhury are vying for the chairman post.
Besides, incumbent BGTF secretary general Akteruzzaman and Kamal Bayazid are contesting for the post of secretary general.
Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation which was founded on November 29, 1980 has 233 full-fledged members and 56 associate members. The associate members have no voting rights.
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