Ataur Rahman’s contributions to theatre can never be forgotten: Mamunur Rashid

Ekushey Padak recipient Mamunur Rashid has been involved in theatre since the years following the country’s independence and has known cultural personality Ataur Rahman for more than five decades.

Speaking to The Daily Star about Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid said, “I have known him since before the independence of Bangladesh. Even during the Pakistan era, he was involved in theatre. After the country gained independence, he began working in theatre with renewed enthusiasm. 

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Later, he founded Nagarik Natya Sampradaya. He remained connected to theatre for more than 50 years and made immense contributions. In particular, Ataur Rahman’s contribution to stage theatre was enormous. His contributions can never be forgotten.”

Mamunur Rashid further said, “Ataur Rahman did a tremendous amount of work for theatre. He wrote plays, adapted scripts, directed productions, and acted as well. Besides working with his own troupe, he also directed productions for other theatre groups. His works were highly acclaimed and received immense love from audiences.”

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Mentioning the celebrated production “Roktokorobi”, Mamunur Rashid said, “‘Roktokorobi’ was a hugely impactful and widely praised production. It remains one of the finest stage productions he directed. He also directed ‘Galileo’ and many other notable works. These creations will keep his legacy alive.”

He added, “He had a deep love for the works of Rabindranath Tagore. He was extremely well-read and possessed vast knowledge. In the same spirit, he devoted everything he had to theatre.”
 

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Mamunur Rashid also said, “At one time, he served as the president of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation. The most important thing is that he dedicated his entire life to theatre and nothing else. He had a profound love for the arts and a deep sense of responsibility towards them.”

He continued, “Many of my contemporaries and seniors have passed away. Ataur Rahman is now gone as well. A certain emptiness has been created. It is not a void that can easily be filled. We will have to carry on living with that emptiness.”

Mamunur Rashid concluded, “I have seen many of his works on stage and praised them as well. After such a long journey together, so many memories and conversations are coming back to me now. Leaving everything behind, he has departed from us. He has my deepest love and respect.”