DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam spoke at the Zahir Raihan Cultural Centre auditorium in Sutrapur during the Dhaka Theatre Festival inauguration. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Aug 16, 2026 (BSS)- Dhaka Theatre Festival, featuring plays based on the history, heritage and lifestyle of Old Dhaka, was kicked off today with the aim of reviving the city's rich cultural traditions.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator valiant freedom fighter Abdus Salam inaugurated the festival organised by the DSCC at the Zahir Raihan Cultural Centre auditorium at Sutrapur here, said a press release.

The festival is being held as part of the DSCC's “Hridaye Dhaka 416 festival.

Different theatre groups will stage drama portraying different aspects of the history, heritage, culture and lifestyle of Old Dhaka during the festival.

The dramas to be staged include- ‘Girgiti’ by Granthik Natyadal, directed by Matiur Rahman Rana; ‘Ontorale Ayna’ by Shaukhin Natya Dal, directed by Hamidur Rahman Pappu; ‘Rongila Fanush’ by Maitree Theatre, directed by Suchona Tisha; ‘Bhelki’ by Nabonat, directed by SK Ratan; ‘Champabati’ by Shobdo Natya Charcha Kendra, directed by Khorshedul Alam; ‘Gharjamai’ by Dhaka Theatre Mancha, directed by Golam Sarwar; ‘Shasti’ by Sworabithi Theatre, directed by Shawkat Hasan; and ‘Shayesta Khan-er Pori’ by Meghdoot Natya Sampradaya, directed by Shubhashish Dutta Tanmoy.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said there is no alternative to cultural activities to prevent social degradation and keep the younger generation on the right track.

He said patriotism and moral values could be nurtured among people through theatre, music, literature and sports.

“Just as people were inspired during the Liberation War by the song ‘Ektee Phoolke Bachabo Bole, Juddho Kori’, it is possible to change the entire society through a good song and quality cultural practices,” the DSCC administrator added.

He recalled that theatre performances had been held in different neighborhoods during his childhood, while libraries were also available where boys and girls became members and read novels, plays, stories and poetry.

Salam said literary practices help develop leadership qualities among young people.

“If the feeling ‘This Dhaka is mine’ comes from people's heart, it will be possible to keep Dhaka beautiful and clean,” he said.

He urged city dwellers to keep the streets around their homes clean just as they maintain their drawing rooms and study rooms, stressing that people should love the streets as they love their own homes.

Lawmaker from Dhaka-7 constituency Hamidur Rahman attended the programme as the special guest while DSCC Chief Executive Officer Khaybar Rahman was in the chair.