Eminent playwright Selim Al Deen’s death anniversary is observed at JU today. Photo: BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) - The 19th death anniversary of eminent playwright Selim Al Deen was observed today at Jahangirnagar University through a series of programmes held with due respect and solemnity.

The programmes were organised by the Department of Drama and Dramatics with overall cooperation from the university administration. 

This year’s theme of the observance was “Chhute Jete JeteThomke Daray Ekjon (One pauses while rushing ahead),” reflecting on the creative and philosophical legacy of Selim Al Deen, the founder chairman of the department.

The day began at 10:00 am with a memorial procession followed by wreath-laying at Selim Al Deen’s grave. The procession started from the Old Arts Building and ended at the grave premises. 

Professor Dr MozammelHaque, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, inaugurated the programme.

Later, Bangladesh Gram Theatre, Dhaka Theatre, Swapnadal, Arshinagar, Shahid Samar Theatre, Swapnadal including  theatre troupe teachers, students, researchers, theatre activists and culture enthusiasts attended the programmes and paid tributes to Selim Al Deen, remembering his outstanding contribution to post-Rabindranath Bangla theatre.

“Within the thousand-year-old tradition of Bangla theatre, Selim Al Deen searched for the fundamental essence of art while continuously breaking and reshaping theatrical forms in the process of artistic creation. Through this constant deconstruction and reconstruction of artistic structures, the life of this land emerges in his plays with an epic resonance,” said Drama and Dramatics Department Chairman Professor Dr Fahmida Akhter while talking to BSS.

She said that the Drama and Dramatics Department  remembers the experimental and root-oriented playwright with deep reverence on his 19th death anniversary as an inseparable part of its own identity, as the department itself was established through Selim Al Deen’s vision.

“Selim Al Deen’s creative works and artistic philosophy continue to remain a constant source of inspiration in his absence,” she added.

Later at 11:00 am, a seminar was held at the Set Lab Room of the Old Arts Building. Professor Dr Md Aminul Islam of the Department of Drama and Dramatics presented an article titled “Selim Al Deen and the De-colonial Identity of Bangla Theatre.”

Professor Dr Yusuf Hassan Arko of Drama and Dramatics Department and Dr Syed Nizar, Associate Professor of Philosophy Department, took part as discussants, while Professor Dr Haroon Ar Rashid Khan presided over the seminar.