Eminent cultural figure and academic Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, who was appointed as the Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on September 9, has had his position elevated to the rank and status of a government secretary. This historic upgrade marks the first time in the academy's history that its DG holds such an elevated status. The Ministry of Public Administration announced the elevation through a gazette notification issued on November 21 under the directive of the President. The notification, signed by Abul Hayat Md Rafique, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, stated that the decision was made in the public interest. Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, a noted playwright and theatre director, joined as DG for a two-year term, subject to severing ties with other institutions. Previously, the DG position carried the rank of Additional Secretary.