Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 6, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has chalked out elaborate programmes to showcase the multifaceted creative works of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, marking his 165th birth anniversary. 

A four-day programme titled “Shanti O Manobotar Kobi Rabindranath” will be held from May 8 to 11  at the Jatiyo Natyashala auditorium of Shilpakala Academy.

The celebration will include thematic discussions, cultural performances of Tagore’s songs, dance and recitations, a special art exhibition titled “Rabi’s Chitra, Chitre Rabi”, and the staging of the play “Achalayatan” by Prachyanat, along with similar programmes across district Shilpakala Academies nationwide. 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon will attend the inaugural ceremony of the event on May 8 while State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin will be present as special guest.

The event will be presided over by Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and poet SK Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin). Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam will attend as chief discussant, while Secretary of the Academy Mohammad Zakir Hossain will deliver the welcome speech.

Cultural segments will feature songs, dance, and recitations based on Tagore’s literary works.

On the second day, May 9, Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md Nurul Islam will attend the programme as chief guest. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom will be present as special guest. The session will be presided over by Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mawla.

On May 10, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury will attend as chief guest, while State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom and Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman will attend as special guests. The programme will also include cultural performances based on Tagore’s songs, dance, and recitations.

Earlier that day, a special art exhibition titled “Rabi’s chitra, Chitre Rabi,” will be inaugurated at Gallery-2 of the National Art Gallery building under the Fine Arts Department. The exhibition will continue until May 23 and remain open daily from 11 am to 8 pm.

The concluding ceremony will be held on May 11 at 6 pm at the Jatiyo Natyashala auditorium, where Prime Minister’s Political and Industries Affairs Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed will attend as chief guest.

The closing event will be presided over by Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mawla, while the Director General of Shilpakala Academy will deliver the welcome address.

Following the discussion, theatre troupe Prachyanat will stage the play “Achalayatan”, directed by Azad Abul Kalam.

Besides, all district Shilpakala Academies across the country will organize discussions and cultural programmes in memory of Tagore and his works. All events will remain open to the public.