Farooki responds to Jamil’s resignation: ‘Not all of his claims are true’

In a notable development following Syed Jamil Ahmed‍‍`s resignation as the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has stepped forward to address the claims made by Jamil Ahmed. 

In a detailed post on social media, Farooki made it clear that while he holds great respect for Jamil Ahmed’s work, not all of his allegations are accurate. 

Farooki stated that some of Jamil‍‍`s claims are simply false, while others appear to come from personal frustration.

Farooki began by acknowledging his admiration for Jamil Ahmed, highlighting his past support for him. “I have always been an admirer of Syed Jamil Ahmed’s work. I probably wrote the most comprehensive piece about his work ever published in any Bangladeshi newspaper. Even recently, in his presence, I encouraged a foreign ambassador to have him direct a theatre production in their country,” said Farooki.

However, Farooki pointed out that managing a government institution requires different skills than artistic direction. 

He said, “But being a talented artist and being able to run an institution within the confines of bureaucracy are two very different things. The second task requires patience and strong managerial skills. You can achieve a lot by treating colleagues with respect and love, instead of bullying them. Also, the temperament needed to work in a government institution is very different from directing a theatre group. What I can do with my film unit, I cannot necessarily do in a government institution.”

Addressing the resignation, Farooki explained why he had initially stayed silent. 

“I didn’t want to comment on Jamil Bhai’s dramatic resignation because doing so would force me to bring up issues that might embarrass him, and I respect him too much for that. But for the sake of setting the record straight, I have to say something. There are many things he said that are not completely true, some are outright false, and a few things seem to have come from his inability to handle the situation properly.” Farooki added that he might write more in detail later when time allows.

“For now, let me just say that some of his claims are exaggerated. My response may make him uncomfortable, but Jamil Bhai, you’ve put me in a position where I have no choice but to speak the truth, even if it’s awkward,” Farooki remarked, addressing Jamil Ahmed directly.

Read More: Syed Jamil Ahmed resigns from Shilpakala Academy amid allegations of unofficial fund requests

Syed Jamil Ahmed submitted his resignation on the evening of February 28, handing his resignation letter to Mohammad Waresh Hossain, Secretary of Shilpakala Academy, during the closing ceremony of the Munir Chowdhury 1st National Drama Festival, where he was the chief guest. 

While addressing the audience, Jamil Ahmed mentioned his resignation and explained his decision. 

After coming off the stage, several attendees expressed their opposition to his resignation, prompting him to explain his stance further and raise questions about the Cultural Affairs Advisor’s role.

Earlier, on August 16, responsibilities for the advisors were reassigned, and Dr. Asif Nazrul was given charge of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Expatriates‍‍` Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. 

On November 10, filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki was sworn in as the interim government’s Cultural Affairs Advisor.