Theatre has played a pivotal role since the independence in preserving and defining the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Fundamentally a performing art, theatre today is a powerful medium for public education and awareness. The industry—previously centred on talented actors, writers, producers, directors, stage decorators, costume designers--now includes social activists. The advent of the electronic media has popularized all forms and genres of theatre- but it has also brought about questionable changes in its evolution as an art form.
Bengal Foundation feels that the language of theatre presents powerful tools of self-expression. Body language, movement, choreography and diction- all these combine to empower the mind and body in multiple ways. It is also observed that practitioners of theatre are good at building teams and developing strong communities- all of which is eventually beneficial for society. With that in mind, Bengal Foundation signed an agreement with Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) in December 2001 to form a project for the development of theatre called ‘Bangladesh Natya Unnayan Prakalpa’ (NUP). Initially, an annual budget to the tune of BDT 1.3 million was determined for the project and the term was fixed at 10 years. The project is fully funded from Bengal Foundation’s own resources and has, till date, absorbed over BDT 10 million. Its official journey started in 2002. Since then, NUP has incorporated various schemes, programmes, projects and publications throughout the country. Regular workshops, seminars, stage performances and festivals have been an integral part of the project. NUP also provides grants for development of infrastructure, staging new plays and directorial support to theatre groups.
Till date, a variety of programmes that have been supported under this project include-
• Providing grants to 33 theatre groups
• Enabling theatre troupes from outside Dhaka to stage 28 plays in the capital city
• Organizing 37 regional workshops, 7 regional festivals, 7 production-related workshops, 3 workshops for directors, playwrights, set & light designers
• Enabling theatre groups in Dhaka to stage 7 plays across the country
• Providing grants for infrastructure development and renovation to 3 theatre groups
• Facilitating a Tk 1.3 million Bengal Group grant for infrastructure development of Mahila Samity Milanayatan in 2003

NUP includes some special events such as organizing-
• World Theatre Day 2003.
• Chaitrasankranti and May Day
• 10-day festival in the aid of distressed theatre activists
• Special workshop for dramatists, 2003

National Theatre Festivals and Street Drama Festivals have been organized regularly under the aegis of NUP, from the year 2002 to 2007. For the first time NUP published a directory of Theatre Groups in Bangladesh in 2005. A part of the NUP budget is expended to support the administrative cost of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation.