United News of Bangladesh

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. BSA DG Syed Jamil’s position elevated to Secretary Status 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.

Eminent theatre personality and academician Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed has announced his resignation from the position of Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). He made the sudden announcement on Friday evening while attending the closing ceremony of the first Munier Choudhury National Theatre Festival, organized by the academy’s training department. Dr Jamil Ahmed, who took charge as the BSA Director General on September 10 last year following the political transition, is stepping down after five and a half months in office. During the event, he handed over his resignation letter to BSA Secretary Mohammad Wares Hossain on stage. However, the secretary clarified that accepting the resignation was beyond his jurisdiction. "As the secretary of Shilpakala Academy, I have only received the letter, but no official or employee of the academy has accepted it," Wares Hossain stated before the audience. Shilpakala Academy plans conservatory cell to promote culture and support indigenous communities In his speech at the closing ceremony, Syed Jamil Ahmed cited administrative interference and bureaucratic obstacles as key reasons behind his decision. He claimed that he was unable to work independently and faced frequent delays in securing necessary allocations for the academy’s development. He further alleged that lack of cooperation from the government officials and employees, and issues related to corruption and syndicates made it difficult for him to fulfill his responsibilities. The academy did not respond to UNB's calls, and no official announcement has been made yet. Born on April 7, 1955, in Dhaka, he is the founding chairman of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Dhaka University, where he has been teaching for over three decades. A distinguished academic, Jamil Ahmed secured first place in his graduation from India’s National School of Drama in 1978 and later completed a training program at the Film and Television Institute of India. He earned his Master’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Warwick, UK, in 1989, and obtained his PhD from Dhaka University in 1997.