Dhaka's cultural calendar today features nine events spanning fine art, classical and devotional music, poetry, stand-up comedy, mixed martial arts, and stage drama across the capital.

Bangladesh Theatre Festival begins

As the week's special attraction, the Dhaka metropolitan phase of the Bangladesh Theatre Festival 2026 begins today at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Twelve plays by 12 theatre troupes will be staged during the nine-day festival. Performances will be held daily at 6:30pm from November 13 to 21 at the National Theatre Hall's main auditorium and the Experimental Theatre Hall.

Alongside Bangladesh Theatre, participating troupes include Theatre, Desh Natak, Bahubachan, Natyateertha, Nandayon Natya Sampradaya, Swapnadal, Nagarik Natyangon, Dhaka Theatre, Mahakal Natya Sampradaya, Drishtipat Natya Sangsad, and Natyam Repertory.

On the opening day, Bangladesh Theatre will stage "Siraj When Nawab Sirajuddaula" at the National Theatre Hall's main auditorium. The play has been newly dramatised and directed by Abdul Aziz.

Other cultural offerings

In addition to the theatre festival, eight other cultural programmes are scheduled across the capital today, including fine art exhibitions, classical and devotional music performances, poetry recitals, stand-up comedy shows, and mixed martial arts demonstrations.