An emotional memorial meeting in Dhaka brought together leading figures from Bangladesh’s theatre and cultural community to honour the late theatre personality Ataur Rahman, who was widely regarded as a towering figure in the country’s stage movement.
The event was held on Saturday evening at the Nilima Ibrahim auditorium of the Bangladesh Mahila Samity in Baily Road. It was jointly organised by Nagorik Natya Sampraday, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation and the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Bangladesh Centre.
The programme began with a one-minute silence in tribute to the departed artist, followed by a recording of Rahman reciting poetry.
Singer Farhin Khan Joyita performed the opening musical segment, while Nasirul Haq Khokon delivered the introductory remarks and Nasir Uddin Yousuff Bachchu read the commemorative statement.
Ataur Rahman’s wife, Shahida Rahman, shared personal and family memories during the gathering. Theatre veteran Ramendu Majumdar recalled Rahman’s versatility as a director, saying he worked with equal skill both within and outside his own troupe. He noted Rahman’s admiration for playwright Syed Shamsul Haq and his direction of works by Rabindranath Tagore and William Shakespeare.
Playwright Mamunur Rashid highlighted Rahman’s organisational strength and his contribution to Bangladesh’s theatre movement. “His contribution to stage drama was immense,” he said, adding that his work had earned widespread admiration and affection.
A video screening of Rahman’s iconic production and performance in ‘Nuruldiner Shara Jibon’ was shown during the programme. Actress Sara Zaker also shared her memories, describing Rahman as an honest and principled figure.
Recitations and performances were delivered by several cultural personalities including Lucky Enam, Golam Sarwar, Trapa Majumder, Mofidul Haque, Kamal Bayezid, Abdus Selim, Devaprasad Debnath, Keramat Mawla and Sharmistha Rahman. Tarik Anam Khan performed a reading piece, while Tamanna Rahman presented a dance performance.
Clips from ‘Dewan Gazi’r Kissa’ and ‘Roktokorobi’ were also screened. A specially staged dramatic segment featuring Tarik Anam Khan included a powerful monologue that resonated deeply with the audience, adding to the emotional atmosphere of the event.
In his closing remarks, veteran actor Abul Hayat described Atauar Rahman as not only a theatre personality but also a committed organiser of the cultural movement. Speakers collectively said his contribution would continue to inspire future generations.
Ataur Rahman passed away on May 11 while undergoing treatment in hospital. He was due to turn 85 next June.
