Staff Correspondent

 Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury has announced that the government will take necessary measures to restore the legacy and popularity of Bangladesh's traditional performing arts, specifically Jatra (folk theatre) and circus.

Addressing a daylong workshop titled "Performing Arts: Circus and Jatra" as the chief guest at the National Theatre Seminar Room of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Wednesday, the minister emphasized that reviving these art forms is critical to both preserving cultural heritage and sustaining the livelihoods of artists, crew, musicians, organizers, and small fairground vendors.

"Once, commercial Jatra troupes flourished across the country, serving as a primary medium of entertainment in rural Bangladesh," Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury stated. "However, evolving times, the spread of social media, and shifting entertainment trends have diminished public engagement. Furthermore, vulgar presentations and inappropriate dance routines in some Jatra performances have restricted family viewing. 

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam attended the event as a special guest and announced plans to host nationwide cultural festivals across all districts in December.

Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Policy and Strategy (Information and Culture), advocated establishing a dedicated cell within the ministry headed by a designated focal officer to streamline event approvals and resolve administrative bottlenecks facing troupes. Meanwhile, Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Yasmin Begum stressed the need to modernize scripts and ensure family-friendly content.

Chaired by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General and Joint Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Ministry Moha. Harun-Or-Rashid, the seminar featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Shahman Moilan, Chairman of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Dhaka University.

Delegates from 35 prominent Jatra troupes and 12 circus groups nationwide participated in the workshop to outline operational challenges, industry prospects, and a sustainable roadmap for traditional performing arts in Bangladesh.