Independence Award and Ekushey Padak-winning thespian, Ataur Rahman, was remembered during a memorial programme at the Nilima Ibrahim auditorium of the Bangladesh Mahila Samity in the capital on Saturday.

Ataur Rahman passed away on May 11 at the age of 84.

The event, titled ‘Manchasarothi Ataur Rahman Smoron Sova,’ was organised by Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, the International Theatre Institute Bangladesh Centre, and the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation.

The event comprised discussions and performances, including dance, music, poetry recitation, and readings from different texts directed by late Ataur Rahman.

A documentary film on Ataur Rahman and some video clips of different theatre productions performed by the thespian were also screened at the event.

Theatre activists including Ramendu Majumdar, Mamunur Rashid, Nasiruddin Yousuf Bacchu, Sara Zaker, Tarik Anam Khan, Kamal Bayzid, cultural activist-researcher Mofidul Hoque, translator Abdus Selim, reciting artiste Golam Sarowar, and dance composer Tamanna Rahman, among others, spoke at the event.

Farhin Khan Joyita, Golam Sarowar, and Tarik Anam Khan performed at the event as a tribute to the renowned director and actor.

A dance performance composed by Tamanna Rahman was also held.

Born on June 18, 1941, at his maternal grandfather’s house in Noakhali, Ataur Rahman spent his early life. He directed a number of notable plays, including Hamlet, Macbeth, Troilus and Cressida, Narigon, Banglar Maati Banglar Jal, Galileo, and Tora Shob Joyodhani Kor.

Ataur Rahman is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. He received the Ekushey Padak in 2001 and the Independence Award in 2021 for his contribution to theatre.