Birth Anniversary of Theatre Maestro Zia Hyder Today

Among the enlightened figures who guided Bangladesh’s theatre practice, education and creative literary sphere, Zia Hyder stands as one of the pioneers. As a dramatist, poet, lyricist and teacher, he left a profound mark in every role.

As the founding president of Nagarik Natya Sampradaya, he laid the strong foundation for modern theatre practice in the country. His five-volume work Thiyetarer Kotha remains an invaluable treasure of Bangla theatrical literature. He was also a leading and tireless advocate for establishing theatre as part of institutional education.

Zia Hyder was born on 18 November 1936 in Doharpara of Pabna to the respected Hyder family. He was the eldest among the eight children of his parents, Hakimuddin Sheikh and Rahima Khatun. He began his education at Arifpur Primary School, founded by his father, and later attended Pabna Zilla School.
He completed his Secondary School Certificate from Gopalchandra Institution in 1952, Intermediate from Pabna Edward College in 1956, and Honours in Bangla from Rajshahi College in 1958. In 1961, he obtained his Master’s degree from the University of Dhaka.

He was diligent and versatile in his professional life. He first joined the popular weekly Chitraly. Later, he served in teaching, Bangla Academy and Pakistan Television, leaving an active and enthusiastic footprint in every place.
In 1968, he travelled to the University of Hawaii in the United States on a scholarship to study drama; afterwards, he received a Certificate in Shakespeare Theatre from the University of Birmingham in England.

In December 1970, he joined the Department of Theatre at the University of Chittagong, marking a new phase of his life. Alongside teaching, he travelled across Asia, Europe and America for theatrical pursuits, building strong professional bonds with renowned theatre personalities around the world.

He passed away on 2 September 2008.
Bangladesh’s theatre arena, art and cultural sphere, and academic community continue to remember him with deep affection and reverence.

Tribute to Theatre Maestro Zia Hyder.

Khaborwala/TSN