DU students stage 'Shalukdanga' highlighting risks of packaged food

A group of Dhaka University students staged a street play titled “Shalukdanga” at the Central Shaheed Minar on Monday to raise public awareness about the health risks associated with hidden excess sugar, salt, and fat in packaged foods.

The play was performed at 5pm by members of the Dhaka University Drama Society, organized under the initiative of the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator.

Opening with the original song “Shonen Shonen Deshbasi, Shonen Diya Mon, Shalukdanga Gayer Katha Karibo Barnon,” the performance depicted the changing dietary habits of a rural village, focusing on children's growing preference for packaged food driven by attractive advertisements and colorful wrappers.

The drama highlighted how consumers often lack key information regarding the high levels of sugar, salt, and fat in ultra-processed food items, leaving them unaware of the long-term health risks. A central theme emphasized during the performance was the implementation of “Front-of-Pack Labeling” (FOPL) to ensure that nutritional warnings are clearly visible to buyers at the first glance.

Mubashir Mahmud Nibhir, the director of the play, emphasized the role of theatre in raising social consciousness.

"We always try to bring the truth to everyone through plays, and 'Shalukdanga' is part of that effort," Nibhir said. "We want people to understand what they are buying and consuming. Harmful food ingredients ought to be clearly displayed on the front of the packaging."

Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, noted that young people play a pivotal role in driving societal change through awareness.

"The youth should take responsibility for educating themselves, their families, and society about safe food, proper nutrition, and consumer rights," Masud said. "Only through the active participation of today's youth can we build a healthy generation and a safe future."

The play concluded with the song “Aha Ki Ananda Akashe Batashe.”

Directed by Mubashir Mahmud Nibhir with Hridoy Sarkar as assistant director, the production featured stage and props planning by Akash Roy, and background music by Niloy Bala and Pritam Saha. The cast included Ashfaqul Islam, Shahin Alam Jibon, Gaurab Ghosh, Binayee Roy, Soha Islam, Mahin Muntasir, Mahadi Hasan, Nahid Alam, Taskin Khan, Tabib Wasit Khan, and Md. Shahanur Alam Shafin.