Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s Director General (DG), prominent theatre personality Syed Jamil Ahmed, has announced his resignation, citing undue interference from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and advisors in the academy’s affairs. He made the declaration during an event at Shilpakala Academy on Friday evening, dramatically handing over his resignation letter to the academy’s secretary on stage.
Later, he issued a written statement to the media, detailing the reasons for his resignation.
Allegations of Bureaucratic Hurdles and External Pressure
In his written statement, Syed Jamil Ahmed said, “Unwarranted interference from advisors and the ministry, bureaucratic red tape, obstacles in fulfilling my legal responsibilities as Director General by appointing the academy’s secretary as the ‘focal person,’ budget cuts, internal file tampering, and attempts to disrupt work by inciting officials within the academy—all of these have led to my decision to step down.”
He further stated that corrupt groups were actively working to hinder the smooth operation of the institution, making it impossible for him to continue in his role.
The resignation was announced during the closing ceremony of the Munir Chowdhury First National Theatre Festival at the National Theatre Hall of Shilpakala Academy. During his speech at the event, Ahmed criticized the increasing interference from the secretariat, stating, “When I took charge, I had clearly stated that there should be no external intervention in the academy’s work. However, the level of interference has recently escalated beyond tolerance.”
A Renowned Theatre Scholar’s Short-Lived Tenure
Syed Jamil Ahmed, a veteran theatre director and researcher, took over as the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on September 9, 2024. He is an alumnus of the National School of Drama in New Delhi, where he graduated in 1978. He also holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Warwick, UK, and a PhD from the University of Dhaka.
Expressing his frustration, he remarked, “Making ten phone calls to bureaucrats just to secure approved funds is not my personal obligation but my duty for the Shilpakala Academy. If I am prevented from doing that, constantly facing obstacles, then there is no point in continuing in this position.”
During the event, Syed Jamil Ahmed paid tribute to Anas, a young activist who was killed during recent student protests, and his grieving parents were present at the ceremony. He stated, “I took on this responsibility out of a deep sense of duty to the martyrs of our people’s uprising. Over 1,500 people like Anas have sacrificed their lives. For their sake, I devoted my entire time to the Shilpakala Academy, sacrificing my personal life. I never allowed any financial irregularities or unethical activities.”
Ministry’s Interference in Academy Operations
In his statement, Ahmed criticized the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for overstepping its boundaries.
He claimed, “When I was approached by the then-advisor to take charge as the Director General, I made it clear that the academy must be allowed to function as an autonomous institution without undue interference from the ministry. I also presented a short-, mid-, and long-term strategic vision for the academy, which was accepted by the advisor and senior ministry officials. However, after the advisor changed, my lawful initiatives were repeatedly obstructed, and the academy’s operations were deliberately slowed down.”
As an example, he pointed out that “although the law requires the Academy Council to hold meetings every three months, the advisor took five weeks just to approve the minutes of a meeting, causing unnecessary delays in the decision-making process.”
Demands for Institutional Autonomy
During the closing ceremony, Ahmed stated, “Officials at the ministry must understand that we are working in a post-uprising Bangladesh. I appreciate the efforts of the staff, artists, and employees of Shilpakala Academy, as their dedication has revived theatrical activity across the country, creating a festival-like atmosphere. However, I no longer see a future where I can continue working under such conditions.”
He also alleged that he was prevented from using the term “indigenous” to refer to marginalized communities. “They told me I cannot say the word ‘indigenous.’ Today, I am saying it loud and clear: the rights of indigenous people must be recognized, the oppression against them must end, and an egalitarian Bangladesh must be established. The sacrifices of martyrs like Anas must not go in vain.”
Government’s Response and Calls to Reconsider Resignation
During the event, Shilpakala Academy’s Secretary Mohammad Warez Hossain stated, “As the Secretary, I have only received the resignation letter, but no officials or employees of the academy have accepted it.”
Several theatre artists in attendance urged Syed Jamil Ahmed to reconsider his decision. In response, he set several conditions, including:
- An end to ministry interference in the academy’s affairs.
- An allocation of BDT 2 billion (200 crore) for Shilpakala Academy.
- The right to use the term “indigenous” in cultural discourse.
When contacted on Friday night, Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi, the advisor to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, declined to comment and directed journalists to speak with the secretary instead.
Meanwhile, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Md. Mofidur Rahman, told the media, “I have not yet received the resignation letter, but I am aware of the situation. Once we receive it, we will review the matter accordingly.”
Efforts to reach Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi for further comments on Saturday morning were unsuccessful.