The two-day 3rd annual national conference of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) began at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Friday, reports UNB.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury inaugurated the conference at the National Theatre Hall of BSA in the morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Shirin Sharmin underscored the need for the active role of the theatre activists in making the country developed. “The country will face new challenges in the coming days. So, I expect the participation of the theatre activists in this struggle from their respective positions.”

Describing drama as a language of protest and change, she said, “There’s no alternative to staging plays to convey any message to people.”

Citing Bangladesh’s eligibility to graduate to a developing country from the group of least developed countries, the Speaker said, “You have to play your role in maintaining the achievement.”

BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky presided over the inaugural ceremony while the BGTF member secretary presented the opening speech.

Theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar, stage and television actor Ataur Rahman, director and scriptwriter Mamunur Rashid and drama activists Nasiruddin Yusuf Bachchu and Sara Zaker also spoke on the occasion. l