A year-long event marking the birth centenary of late prominent dancer-choreographer Bulbul Chowdhury, also known as Nrityacharya, started at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Segunbagicha on January 22. State minister for shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. Among others, cultural activist Kamal Lohani, human rights activist Sultana Kamal, eminent dancers Laila Hasan, Amanul Haque and Bangladesh Dance Artistes' Association president Minu Haque were present at the programme. The event was presided over by Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bangladesh Dance Artistes' Association have jointly chalked out the year-long celebration programme which will feature a number of events round the year including publication of a commemorative book on Bulbul Chowdhury, dance drama festival, nationwide dance competition, seminars, conferring of Bulbul Chowdhury Padak and others.

Following the inauguration, renowned dance troupes Pallavi Dance Centre, Nrityalok, Kathak Nritya Sampraday, Dhriti Nrityanalay, Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, Nandan Kala Kendra, Dibya Sangskritik Sangathan, Nrityam, Nandanik and others entertained the audience with diverse dance recitals.