Dhaka, Novr 11, 2026 (V7N) – Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said Wednesday that the government will take necessary initiatives to revive the lost heritage and popularity of jatrapala and circus, the country's traditional performing arts.
Besides artistes and technicians, instrumentalists, entrepreneurs, organisers and small fair-based traders are also involved with the art form, he said, adding that the growth of jatrapala (Bengali traditional folk theatre) and circus is therefore tied not only to preserving the country's cultural heritage but also to the livelihoods and employment of many people.
The minister made the remarks as chief guest at a daylong workshop titled "Performing Arts: Circus and Jatrapala" held at the seminar room of the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, according to a ministry press release.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, MP, Prime Minister's Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman and Cultural Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum were present as special guests.
Mentioning that jatra troupes once grew up in different parts of the country on commercial initiatives, the minister said jatrapala and circus were among the main sources of entertainment for the people of rural Bangladesh. But public interest in and attraction to these art forms have declined with changing times, the spread of social media and the creation of diverse entertainment options, he observed.
In addition, he noted, the inclusion of objectionable presentations and dances in jatrapala in some cases has also narrowed the scope to enjoy this art form in a family setting. To overcome the situation, he urged everyone concerned to come forward to practise jatrapala and circus that are close to life, struggle-oriented, socially conscious and of good quality.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom said the government will take all possible initiatives to revive traditional performing arts like jatrapala and circus. He said there is a plan to hold cultural festivals simultaneously in all districts of the country next December. He urged the representatives of the jatra and circus troupes present to submit specific proposals within the next five days for taking part in these festivals in a positive and creative manner.
Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said the government is working to ensure healthy and quality entertainment for all. He proposed forming a special cell by assigning an official of the ministry as the focal point to identify and remove existing obstacles in organising jatrapala and circus, so that they can contact it directly if any complication arises over permission.
Yasmin Begum said jatrapala and circus must be made time-befitting, stressing the need for ensuring refined, creative and story-based performances so members of the family of all ages can enjoy these events together.
Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md Harun-or-Rashid moderated the workshop, where Dr Shahman Mailan, chairman of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies of the University of Dhaka, gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Representatives of 35 well-known jatra troupes and 12 circus troupes from different regions of the country took part in the workshop. Their experiences, problems, prospects and future tasks were discussed.
The workshop is expected to play an important role in identifying the crisis facing the traditional jatrapala and circus art forms, exploring prospects and drawing up an effective action plan for the sustainable development of the art forms.
