PHOTO: SHEIKH MEHEDI MORSHED

DOWEL BISWAS

A procession calling for the prompt reinstatement of eminent theatre personality Syed Jamil Ahmed as Shilpakala Director General, led by theatre activists and cultural figures under the banner of “Bikkhubdo Shikharthee-Shilpi-Nagarik Somaj”, took place yesterday at around 3pm at the gates of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

This rally, which brought together theatre artistes, writers, directors, designers, and cultural activists, came in the wake of the controversial resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed. The procession aims to voice a clear and urgent demand for not only the reinstatement of Ahmed but also for the autonomy of Shilpakala Academy, free from bureaucratic interference.

Their rallying cry, with the slogan “Gonoobbhutaner Gono Akangkha, Amlatontrer Sathe Aposh Na” (People’s aspirations for a mass uprising; No compromise with bureaucracy), resonates across the cultural landscape, reflecting the widespread frustration with the governance of cultural institutions.

Speakers at the procession, comprised mainly of theatre artistes and university students, voiced their strong discontent over Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s critical remarks regarding Syed Jamil Ahmed’s “failure” in fulfilling his duties as the director general of Shilpakala Academy. They vehemently opposed Farooki’s allegations, views on budget allocation for the cultural sector, and his remarks on bureaucratic challenges and censorship.

Ragib Naeem, central president of a section of the Chhatra Union, stated, “If this government fails to deliver on the promises it made to the people, it threatens to undermine the spirit of the mass uprisings. One doesn’t have to be a cultural adviser or bureaucrat to realise the importance of a proper cultural budget.”

Theatre activists Mohiuddin Roni and Riasat Salekin emphasised, “Syed Jamil Ahmed is a figure who has stood firm against fascism and oppressive regimes through his work and principles. For his career and contributions to be disparaged in such a disgraceful manner is an affront to our entire cultural community.”

Theatre activists argue that the current bureaucratic structure stifles creativity and limits the growth of the arts in Bangladesh, and they believe that an independent, self-governed Shilpakala Academy is crucial for nurturing the country’s vibrant cultural scene.

Syed Jamil Ahmed’s resignation, announced on February 28, has become the focal point of this growing movement. During the closing ceremony of the “Munier Chowdhury First National Theatre Festival,” the eminent cultural personality cited “bureaucratic challenges” and restrictions on artistic expression as reasons for his departure. His comments ignited a wave of support from theatre professionals, who view his resignation as a sign of larger systemic issues within the institution.

However, the response from the cultural adviser, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, has been critical. Through multiple Facebook posts, he defended the bureaucratic environment at Shilpakala and suggested that Ahmed’s frustrations may stem from his inability to reconcile his passion for theatre with the demands of the institutional system. Farooki questioned the accuracy of some of Ahmed’s statements, noting that a balance between artistic vision and bureaucratic management is essential.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs secretary Mohammad Wares Hossain clarified that he did not have the authority to accept Ahmed’s resignation, as that decision rests with the ministry’s senior officials. Acting Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman, while acknowledging the resignation, stated that he has not yet received the official letter and would comment further once it is received.