The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The 83rd birth anniversary of martyred playwright and educationist Prof Munir Chowdhury was on November 27. To mark the day, 'Theatre' organised a programme and honoured two theatre personalities for their contributions in the field of drama.

This year the award-giving ceremony was held at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on November 27.

Since 1997, Theatre initiated another award named after the late theatre personality Mohammad Zakaria, who was the first 'Munir Chowdhury Memorial Award' recipient. This award went to young and promising theatre personalities.

Theatre director, activist and Professor of Rajshahi University Prof Moloy Bhowmik, received this year's 'Munir Chowdhury Memorial Award.'

Meanwhile, young theatre activist and Chief of Maulvibazar based indigenous group 'Monipuri Theatre' Shubhashish Shameer received the 'Mohammad Zakaria Smriti Padak' at the function.

President of 'Theatre' and National Professor Kabir Chowdhury chaired the programme, while Cultural Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury was present as chief guest on the occasion.

As part of the awards, Professor Bhowmik received Tk 25,000 and Shameer received Tk 15,000.

Eminent theatre personality Nasiruddin Yousuf was the special guest at the event, while noted theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar delivered the welcome speech at the programme. Theatre personality Ferdousi Majumdar announced the names of the recipients at the function.

Later baul songs were presented at the programme.