The 12th death anniversary of eminent playwright ‘Natyacharya’ Selim Al Deen was observed at Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus on Tuesday.

Marking the day, Drama and Dramatics Department of the university brought out a rally from the Old Arts Faculty premises after JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Farzana Islam inaugurated the rally as the chief guest.

Parading main streets of the campus the rally ended at the grave of Selim Al-Deen following placing of floral wreaths around 10.00 am.

Addressing the rally, JU VC Prof Farzana Isalam said, “Selim Al Deen is one of the greatest men in the Bangla drama. We are very grateful to Selim Al Deen as he gives us a new concept ‘Gram Theater’.”

She urged the Drama and Dramatics Department to remember Selim Al Deen through it good works.

Later, noted playwright Nasir Uddin Yousuf Bachcho, JU Drama and Dramatics Department, Bangadesh Gram Theater, Dhaka Theater, Selim Al Deen Foundation, Arshinagar Theater, Shawapnadal Dhaka, Combine Cultural Alliance, Jahangirnagar Theater, Puppent Theater Research Center, Teacher and Student Center (TSC), Kalma Theater, Shaheed Titu Theatre and Selim Al Deen Memorial Society placed floral wreaths at the grave of Selim Al Deen beside the central mosque of the campus, among others.

On the occasion, a sole photography exhibition titled “Selim Al deen in the lense of Barin Ghosh” on the life and works of Selim Al Deen was held at Old Arts Building around 10:45 am.

Performed by the students of Drama and Dramatics department of the university, “Natoker Gaan” was staged at the Theater lab of old arts building at 11:00 am.

Presided over by Dr Soma Momtaz, chairman of the department of Drama and Dramatics Department, a seminar titled on “Selim Al Deen O Ai Ja Ami- Ontorongo Songlap” was held at Zahir Raihan Auditorium at 12:30 pm. Ataur Rahman presented the key note paper at the seminar.

In the evening, a drama “Dohondoyita” staged by Drama and Dramatics Department at the Theater Lab of Zahir Raihan auditorium which was directed by Prof AKM Yousuf Hasan and written by Shuvasis Sinha.

On Wednesday, a discussion on the Selim Al Deen’s drama “Joboti Konnar Mon” will be held at Theater Lab at 2:30 PM, where Nargis Akter will present the keynote paper.

The Drama “Soharab-Rustam” directed by Reza Arif, will be staged at Jahir Raihan Auditorium of Theater Lab -3 on the campus.

Mentionable, Selim Al Deen joined Bangla Department of Jahangirnagar University as a lecturer in 1974. In 1986, he founded the Drama and Dramatics Department and served the department as its founding chairman. He died on January 14, 2008.