Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 7, 2026 (BSS) - 'Eco Theatre' has formally launched to bring the movements for agroecology, food sovereignty, and climate justice closer to the public through cultural practices.
 
The formal inauguration of 'Eco Theatre' was announced at a meeting titled "Eco Theatre for Agroecology, Life-Nature, and Justice through Culture," held Monday afternoon at a restaurant in Rajshahi. 

The event was organized by Barendra Youth Forum - a large alliance of environmental, youth, volunteer, social, and cultural organizations in the Barendra region - along with Green Coalition and the development research organization BARCIK.
 
The meeting was attended by village and urban members of the Barendra Youth Forum, young organizers, cultural activists, and individuals involved in environmental and social movements. 

The objectives, action plan, and future cultural initiatives of 'Eco Theatre' were discussed in detail.
 
Speakers at the discussion said that culture is a powerful medium to raise public awareness and social participation in the face of expanding environmental destruction, encroachment and pollution of rivers, the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, growing agricultural crisis, and inequality in the food system.

Through drama, songs, folk performances, stories, and creative artistic practices, messages about agroecology, food sovereignty, environmental protection, and climate justice can be conveyed to people across society in an accessible way.
 
The event was presided over by Atiqur Rahman Atik, President of Barendra Youth Forum, and moderated by General Secretary Poly Rani. 

BARCIK researcher and anthropologist Shahidul Islam presented the concept of Eco Theatre, its global context, and the importance of culture in environmental and social movements. 

He said the crises of climate and agriculture are not only environmental; they are also part of social, cultural, and political realities. 

Therefore, to bring change to people's minds, thinking, and lifestyles, culture must be developed as one of the tools of the movement. Eco Theatre' is a creative platform for that effort.
 
Barendra Youth Forum President Atiqur Rahman Atik said that a people-oriented cultural movement will be built by dramatizing the life experiences, struggles, indigenous knowledge, and relationship with nature of farmers, women, youth, and local communities in the Barendra region. 

This initiative will not only raise awareness but also give new momentum to the movements for environmental conservation, strengthening local food systems, and building a just society.
 
Participants at the meeting pledged to conduct regular Eco Theatre performances, trainings, workshops, and cultural campaigns in various villages, educational institutions, and urban areas of the Barendra region. 

They believe that by harnessing the power of culture, the movements for agroecology, food sovereignty, and climate justice will become broader and more people-centered.