South Asia Center for Media in Development (SACMID) in collaboration with Theatre Comilla University successfully organized the stage drama “Mukh O Mukhosh” (Face and Mask) on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the open-air stage of Comilla University. The performance began at 8:30 PM, drawing an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty members, and cultural enthusiasts.
The event was part of the project “Empowering Media Professionals, Girl Students, and Community Women through an Improved Understanding of Digital Threats and Security Measures,” funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh. Jointly organized by Theatre Comilla University with academic support from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ), Comilla University.
The drama was written by Amena Akter, Joint General Secretary of Theatre Comilla University, and directed by Zawwad Ur Rakin Khan, Organizational Secretary of Theatre Kubi. The central theme of the play revolved around cybercrime and social awareness in the post–July Revolution era, highlighting the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on individual privacy and digital safety.
Distinguished guests present at the event included Dr. Mohammad Sohorab Uddin, Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism; and Dr. Nahida Begum, Associate Professor of the Department of Bangla. Also in attendance were Nur Hossain Rajib, former General Secretary of Victoria College Theatre, and Abu Sufian, Program Officer at SACMID.
Speaking at the event, Mahmudul Hasan, Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, “Media plays a vital role in development communication by educating audiences through creative mediums. The play beautifully depicted the sources of cybercrimes and how awareness can be spread through storytelling. Our audience not only enjoyed the performance but also learned from it. With the rapid advancement of AI technologies, the spread of fake content on social media has become a serious issue — even educated individuals share misinformation due to a lack of media literacy.”
He added, “The drama portrayed how harm often comes from those closest to us — such as classmates capturing and spreading private moments, or using tools like AI and ChatGPT for manipulation. I have observed fake content being shared even by professors or policymakers. This production is both timely and thought-provoking, urging us all to be more cautious in the digital age.”
Dr. Nahida Begum, Associate Professor of the Department of Bangla, remarked, “After the political and social changes following the mass uprising, fear and self-censorship have become widespread. It’s inspiring to see young students using performance art to express themselves. The play effectively highlighted issues like cyberbullying and online scams, which many people remain unaware of. If the sponsors continue their support, our young artists will undoubtedly produce even better work in the future.”
Dr. Mohammad Sohorab Uddin, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, noted, “The drama reflects the realities of modern life. Even though the issues presented were small on the surface, they carried deep emotional and social significance. Victims of cyberbullying or online fraud know how devastating these experiences can be. As educators working with young people, we often witness their psychological struggles, which inspire us to act more responsibly toward society.”
Overall, “Mukh O Mukhosh” succeeded in engaging the audience both emotionally and intellectually, raising awareness about digital ethics, online safety, and responsible media behavior in a rapidly evolving technological era.
