Padatik Natya Sangsad is organising a five-day theatre festival at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy from April 7 - 11. The festival, Syed Badruddin Hossain Smirit Natyotsab and Sharok Sommanona, is being arranged to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of eminent educationist, Language Movement veteran and lifetime chairman of Padatik Natya Sangsad, Syed Badruddin Hossain.

The inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow, April 7, at the National Theatre Hall at 6pm.

Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Parliament, will inaugurate the festival as chief guest, along with a host of prominent theatre personalities, including Professor Momtazuddin Ahmed, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Syed Shamsul Haq, Mamunur Rashid, Ramendu Majumdar, Ferdousi Majumdar,  Aly Zaker, Shimul Yousuff, M. Hamid, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Ataur Rahman and Keramot Maola.

BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky, thespian Akhtaruzzaman, and Ahmed Gias will attend the inauguration ceremony as special guests.

The festival will feature 10 popular plays--"Dewan Gazir Kissa", "Goray Golod", "Kaalratri", "Neelakhyan", "Mulsnuk", "Shey Raate Purnima Chhilo", "Gouhar Badshah O Banessa Pori", "Bondukjuddho O Gadhar Haat", "Punorjonom", and "Ami O Rabindranath"-- by 10 theatre troupes from Bangladesh and India.

The participating troupes are the host Padatik Natya Sangsad, Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Mohakal Natya Sampraday, Natyakendra, Nagorik Natyangon, Prangonemore, Arshinagar, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Indian troupes Anik, and Kalyanani Natya Charcha Kendra. 

In addition to plays, the festival will feature cultural programmes every evening at the premises of the National Theatre Hall. 

This year, two prominent theatre personalities will receive Badruddin Hossain Memorial Award 2016 for their outstanding contribution to the theatre scene of the country.