The new journey of historic Pabna Bonomali Institute, with the new name of Bonomali Shilpakala Kendra, began on Friday in the district headquarter, aiming to patronise cultural activities in the district, especially theatre.

Land minister Samsur Rahman Sarif Dilu inaugurated the resumption of the newly-built fine art centre in Pabna. A three-day cultural programme was also organised at the new auditorium.

A discussion and cultural programme was held on the occasion. President of Pabna Bonomali Institute, Anjan Chowdhury Pintu inaugurated the discussion.

The original Bonomali institute was established in 1924, according to the organisation. Sons of zamindar Bonomali Roy established the institute for staging plays and cultural programmes.

“The name of the Bonomali Institute was changed to Bonomali Shilpakala Kendra to introduce cultural activities at a wider scale,” Anjan Chowdhury said. Hosting theatre will be the priority for the centre, he added.

Artists of Bonomali Institute staged the drama “Royal Bengal Tiger” on Thursday, as part of the cultural programmes.

“Bonomali Institute was at the heart of the cultural activists of the district. We are delighted about the new journey in the new shape of a fine art centre. We are happy with modern facilities, but a little concerned about its rental costs,” Sarwar Ullash, secretary of Pabna Drama Circle, a leading theatre organisation of the district told the Daily Star. Most of the cultural organisations are in financial hardship, so they would not be able to perform in the stage at excessive cost, Ullash said.