Theatre community remembers Ataur Rahman in emotional memorial programme

Bangladesh’s theatre community gathered in an atmosphere of remembrance and reflection on Saturday (May 23) evening as leading cultural figures paid tribute to late theatre legend Ataur Rahman at a memorial programme in Dhaka.

The event was held at the Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mohila Samity on Bailey Road and jointly organised by Nagarik Natya Sampradaya, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, and International Theatre Institute Bangladesh Centre.

The evening featured recollections, poetry recitations, music, dance performances, staged readings, and video screenings from some of Ataur Rahman’s most celebrated productions.

The programme began with a one-minute silence observed by theatre activists and cultural figures. A recorded recitation in Ataur Rahman’s own voice was then played in the dimly lit auditorium, setting the tone for the memorial.

Singer Farhin Khan Joyita opened the programme with a solo performance. Actor and cultural organiser Nasirul Huq Khokon delivered the introductory remarks, while filmmaker and theatre personality Nasir Uddin Yousuff read a commemorative tribute dedicated to Ataur Rahman.

Speaking at the event, Ataur Rahman’s wife Shahida Rahman reflected on memories from their personal and family life.

Veteran theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar spoke about the range and depth of Ataur Rahman’s directorial work, recalling his productions of plays by Syed Shamsul Haq, Rabindranath Tagore, and William Shakespeare.

Mamunur Rashid remembered Ataur Rahman’s organisational role in Bangladesh’s theatre movement and his decades-long contribution to stage drama.

The programme also included screenings from the acclaimed productions “Nuruldiner Sara Jibon”, “Dewan Gazir Kissa”, and “Raktakarabi”, all associated with Ataur Rahman’s theatrical legacy.

Actor Sara Zaker described him as “an extremely honest person” who upheld integrity throughout his life in theatre.

Poetry recitations were delivered by Lucky Enam, Golam Sarwar, and Tropa Majumdar, while actor Tariq Anam Khan presented an emotional staged reading from one of Ataur Rahman’s plays.

The memorial concluded with remarks from veteran actor Abul Hayat, who said Ataur Rahman’s artistic ideals and commitment to theatre would continue to inspire future generations of performers and theatre workers.