Noted theatre personality Syed Jamil Ahmed recently announced his resignation as Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), citing alleged interference from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs (MoCA) and its Adviser.
During the closing ceremony of the first Munier Chowdhury Drama Festival on Friday at BSA's National Theatre Hall on Friday evening, Dr Jamil declared his decision, expressing dissatisfaction with what he described as bureaucratic obstacles and undue influence over the academy’s affairs.
Following his announcement, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki responded via Facebook, dismissing Ahmed’s claims as "partially untrue, outright false, and stemming from frustration over an inability to handle the situation."
Recently, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs issued a press release countering Ahmed’s allegations. It confirmed receiving his resignation letter, which he submitted in writing to the academy’s secretary during the event.
The ministry accused Ahmed of spreading "false and misleading information" about both the ministry and the finance division of the government, as well as making "unfounded, fabricated, and personally offensive remarks" against the Cultural Affairs Adviser.
Ahmed had also alleged that Farooki pressured the academy to release funds for a video project without official documentation. The ministry rejected this claim, stating that the project, which was a 15-minute video and live program for the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, was approved through proper procedures.
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According to the statement, BSA was officially requested on February 2 to produce the video, with a pre-approved advance payment for technical support. However, Ahmed allegedly refused the request, citing budget constraints. The ministry noted that he had previously undertaken a Tk 33 lakh project for a festival based solely on an oral directive from the adviser.
Additionally, the MoCA claimed that Ahmed removed himself from a WhatsApp coordination group created to facilitate the UNESCO event, which included officials from the foreign ministry, Bangladesh embassy in Paris, and other stakeholders.
Addressing broader concerns about interference, the ministry stated that it had never obstructed Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s operations but had instead provided consistent support, including budget allocations for various cultural initiatives. It cited past examples of additional funding, such as for the Sadhu Mela and the July Revolution-themed theatre productions.
Ahmed, in his written statement on Saturday, reiterated his grievances, accusing the ministry of bureaucratic delays, budget cuts, missing files, and fostering an environment of administrative dysfunction. He also claimed that certain officials deliberately hindered his work.
Responding to budget-related concerns, the ministry clarified that it had already approved additional allocations for BSA in the upcoming fiscal year. It also refuted claims of inadequate funding, stating that a Tk 200 crore budget proposal for infrastructure renovations was under review.
Furthermore, the ministry accused Ahmed of neglecting state protocol during official events, including allegedly preventing an official from attending a final rehearsal for the Ekushey Padak ceremony.
The controversy surrounding Ahmed’s resignation continues to unfold, with conflicting narratives from both sides. His departure marks a significant shake-up at BSA, the premier national cultural institution, raising questions about governance and ministerial oversight in the country’s cultural sector.