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.
While the play had started on time, the demonstrators resumed their protest outside the gates shortly afterwards. To prevent any escalation, Syed, in consultation with Desh Natok, the theatre troupe helming the play, decided to call off the show. He explained this decision in a virtual press conference on Monday morning.
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.
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.
