Cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said this year’s Anondo Shobhajatra was not politically motivated.
Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.
Renowned filmmaker and cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has dismissed concerns that Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is running without leadership following the recent resignation of its Director General, Syed Jamil Ahmed.
As the ongoing allegations, contentions and discussions were addressed by the Cultural Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooki through his Facebook posts and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs through a press note, Syed Jamil Ahmed clears his stance once again in an interview.
Popular music composer Prince Mahmud has opened up about the issue. On Monday, March 3, Prince Mahmud wrote on Facebook, “Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is fine as an adviser. At least he is not being childish. He is sensitive and knows what to say and do in different situations. The situation demands someone like him.”
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has questioned some of the issues raised by Syed Jamil Ahmed in his statement while handing his resignation as the director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at a public event.
Quick probe finds rift between theatre artistes
Among the recipients are late novelist Shahidul Zahir (Md Shahidul Haque) and poet Helal Hafeez, who will be honoured posthumously for their contributions to Language and Literature. Renowned photographer and founder of Drik Gallery and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Shahidul Alam, will receive the award for his work in Culture and Education. Filmmaker Azizur Rahman, famed for his work on “Chhutir Ghonta”, will be conferred the award posthumously for his contributions to Arts (Cinema), while Ustad Nirad Baran Barua and Ferdous Ara will be honored for Music. Nasir Ali Mamun will be recognized for Arts (Photography), and Rokeya Sultana will receive the award for Arts (Fine Arts).
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, has called for merging the culture and tourism ministries to ensure better coordination.
The director who has made popular films including “Television” and “Doob - No Bed of Roses” has been a vocal supporter of the student-led mass uprising.
The much-anticipated rom-com “36-24-36”, starring actress Parthana Fardeen Dighi, has received an uncut Universal (U) rating from the Censor Certification Board, signaling its suitability for audiences of all ages.
Founded in 1998, Chabial has since produced advertisements, television dramas, and films under its banner. Farooki’s first production under Chabial was “Waiting Room”, which no television channel wanted to buy at the time. However, the landscape has drastically changed over the years.
Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has been a vocal supporter of the anti-discrimination student movement since its inception. While he didn’t participate directly in the street protests, Farooki consistently expressed his solidarity with the students through multiple posts on Facebook. Eventually, he also aligned himself with the one-point movement calling for the former government's resignation.
Numerous films faced bans during the previous administration, with some caught up in legal disputes while others were shelved for unexplained reasons. Producers voiced their frustration over films stalled in the censor board's approval process, but their protests yielded no resolution. For years, filmmakers have called for the abolition of the censor board in favour of a system of censor certification.
Farooki, known for his bold commentary, took to social media to voice his discontent. “Do we want films about the BDR mutiny? The atrocities committed by the Rakkhi Bahini after the Liberation War? Or the disappearances orchestrated by Hasina, Ziaul, and Tareq Siddiqui?” he asked. His series of provocative questions highlighted what he views as the censorship board’s role in stifling critical narratives, particularly those that challenge the ruling Awami League’s version of history.
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, known for his sharp and thought-provoking narratives, has established himself as a prominent figure in the drama genre within the world of cinema. Over the years, he has directed several intense films and series, one of which, "Saturday Afternoon", has faced significant delays due to various challenges.
In a heartfelt social media post, Farooki pleaded with the public to show empathy and support to the police officers returning to their duties. He wrote, “We hope that our brothers and sisters in the police force will return to their duties within a day or two. We have high hopes that they will become a new police force for a new Bangladesh.”
In such challenging times, when protesters and civilians were indiscriminately killed, wholesale arrests, block raids, and a nationwide internet shutdown violated citizens' fundamental rights, keeping the nation on edge for weeks– only a few had the courage to raise their voices against the oppression and injustice.
"Today is July 35. We stand a little away from independence. March ahead together, with determination,”-- writes filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on his social handle.
