Dhaka: Theatre personality Samiun Jahan Dola has been honoured with the Natyabandhu Award 2025 in recognition of her contributions to theatre through acting, training, direction, and cultural leadership. The award was conferred on Monday, the second day of the six-day ‘Nabin-Probhin Natyamela 2025,’ organised by the Dhaka-based theatre group Natyatirtha, at the main auditorium of the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a spokesperson of the award-giving organisation, Natyatirtha, stated that Samiun Jahan Dola’s work in acting, direction, research, and training has significantly enriched Bangladesh’s theatre movement. Noted theatre personality Bakar Bakul, who attended the ceremony as a guest, commented that Dola is not only an actress or director but also a shaper of theatrical thought for a generation, and this award is a rightful recognition of her long journey.
The Natyutsob (theatre festival), organised with the support of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, began on December 21 and will continue until December 26. The festival features productions by veteran and emerging directors, along with seminars, honours, and cultural programmes.