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.”
This rally, which brought together theatre artistes, writers, directors, designers, and cultural activists, came in the wake of the controversial resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed, the Academy’s former director general. The procession aims to voice a clear and urgent demand for not only the reinstatement of Ahmed but also for the autonomy of Shilpakala Academy, free from bureaucratic interference.
Culture adviser Farooki and Shilpakala chief Syed Jamil exchange barbs
During the event, the theatre personality who was supposed to give a speech to the present audience, suddenly took the microphone and informed on his resignation. "It is no longer possible for me to continue working here. That is why I am submitting my resignation letter to the Shilpakala Secretary (Mohammad Wares Hossain) in front of all of you," he stated, addressing the audience and distinguished guests at the event.
For the first time, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to organise the Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival, with a 15-day, production-based theatre workshop already underway across the country in three phases.
Jamil Ahmed’s remarks, although unofficial, have ignited outrage within the cultural community, with many interpreting it as a dangerous precedent.
Jamil Ahmed confirmed that this was not an official directive. However, his comments have sparked a social media backlash, with many theatre artists criticising the suggestion. Numerous posts have emerged condemning Jamil’s stance, with some also alleging that fellow veteran actor Ferdousi Majumdar had been given similar advice.
A gazette notification to this effect was issued on November 21 by Abul Hayat Md Rafiq, deputy secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, on behalf of the president. Jamil Ahmed will serve as director general with all the accompanying salary and benefits of a secretary-level position.
Though the play began on schedule, the demonstration resumed at the gates. Fearing escalation, Ahmed, in consultation with the theatre troupe Desh Natok, made the decision to stop the show. He explained the situation during a virtual press conference Monday morning.
BSA's initiatives in theatre, music, and visual arts have proven to be effective tools for bridging divides in Bangladesh's politically charged environment. The academy's diverse programming speaks to a wide range of Bangladeshis, although often failing to transcend party affiliations and ideological differences.
Syed Jamil Ahmed, the newly appointed director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has called for the allocation of at least three percent of the national GDP for the cultural sector to make the academy financially capable and self-sufficient.
It is to be noted that following the recent downfall of the former government following the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Liaquat Ali Lucky, who served as the Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) for over a decade, stepped down from his position on August 12.
Based on the book, the great Jamil Ahmed’s Spordha: Independent Theatre Collective has produced its fourth production of “Ami Birangona Bolchhi”, which began staging from June 16 at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s (BSA) National Theater Hall.
Legendary director Syed Jamil Ahmed is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest stage play, "Ami Birangona Bolchi." The play is based on Neelima Ibrahim's book about the war heroines, 'Birangona' in the Liberation War.
Syed Jamil Ahmed is a name almost synonymous to the Bangladeshi theatre industry. A well-known theatre director with skills in theatre, lights and set designing, he is also the founder of the Department of Theatre and Music in Dhaka University.
