With the slogan Ekta Mancho Onek Akash, the festival was inaugurated by renowned poet Mohammad Rafique. A colourful rally was taken out on the campus following the inauguration ceremony.

A total of seven plays will be staged at Mukta Manch (Amphitheatre) at 7pm everyday during the festival till March 9.

Rater Atithi, written by Utpal Dutta and directed by Shafiqul Islam Sohel, was staged on March 3 by Theatre Centre. Enthusiastic students and teachers flocked the venue. Deyal, scripted by Selim Al Deen and directed by Roland Nathon Mondol, was staged yesterday by the organiser.

Desh Opera, a prominent Jatra troupe, will stage a jatrapala titled Anarkoli, written by Prasad Krishna Bhattyacharya and directed by Milon Kanti Day, on March 5. Subachan Natya Sangsad and Prachyanat will stage respective street plays titled Normedh, written by Asadul Islam Asad and directed by Chondon Paul, and Bishpanchali, written by Rahul Anand and directed by Kazi Touhidul Islam Imon, on the following day.

Udichi will stage Bouboshonti, written by Ratan Siddique and directed by Azad Abul Kalam, on March 7 while Nagarik Natyangon will perform the play titled Janatar Rangoshala, written by Bertolt Brecht and directed by Dr Enamul Huque, on March 8.

A reception was accorded yesterday to Professor Selim Al Deen for receiving the Ekushey Padak. Eminent theatre personalities Shimul Yousuff and Jatin Sarker will be accorded a reception for their contribution to theatre and education on March 6 and 8 respectively.

The festival will round off on March 9 with a reunion of the former members of JT.