Speakers at a workshop in Dhaka on Wednesday called on jatra artistes to improve the quality of their productions and performances in order to attract wider audience appreciation.The workshop was organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the National Theatre Hall.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the event as chief guest. State Minister of Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information, Broadcasting, Culture and Policy and Strategy Zahed Ur Rahman were present as special guests. The session was chaired by the ministry’s secretary Kaniz Moula.
During his speech, Nitai Roy announced that the ministry would now provide primary permission for jatra and cultural programmes. He said this move would help reduce the unexpected difficulties and harassment often faced by artistes.
Jahangirnagar University Drama and Dramatics Department associate professors Reza Arif and Anan Zaman, along with Dhaka University Theatre and Performance Studies Department assistant professor Tanvir Nahid Khan, joined the discussion as panellists.
Jatra researcher and pala writer MA Mazid presented a keynote paper titled “Jatrashilper Sangkat, Sambhabana O Uttaraner Path”. In his presentation, MA Mazid said bureaucratic complications and difficulties in obtaining permissions had discouraged new investment in the jatra industry.
He warned that without proper support and incentives, many jatra troupes could disappear over time, weakening an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. He urged the government to take steps to preserve and promote the traditional art form.
Nitai Roy also said the ministry would formulate a policy aimed at ensuring healthy and tasteful entertainment.
Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom emphasised on the need to modernise jatra productions. He said improvements should be made in dialogue delivery, body language, stage management and the use of musical instruments, including orchestras.Zahed Ur Rahman encouraged artistes to experiment and modernise their productions, while maintaining the distinct identity of jatra. He said the government would continue to support the sector, but artistes must also work to improve the quality of their productions and make them financially sustainable. He further emphasised the need to create popular and high-quality performances without relying on obscenity.Journalist Jobair Babu attended the event as guest of honour, while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Ahmed delivered the welcome speech.More than 200 jatra artistes and troupe owners from different parts of the country took part in the workshop.
