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

Syed Jamil Ahmed, a prominent figure in Bangladesh‍‍`s theatre scene, has stepped down from his position as the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, citing interference and financial irregularities.

In a dramatic turn of events, Syed Jamil Ahmed resigned from his post as the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday evening, handing in his resignation letter during the closing ceremony of the Munir Chowdhury 1st National Drama Festival, where he was the chief guest. 

His resignation came as a surprise to many in the audience, and several individuals in attendance objected to his decision. 

However, Ahmed stood firm in his stance, refusing to reconsider.

Footage from the event captured Ahmed as he walked off the stage and explained his reasons for stepping down, which included a pointed accusation against a high-ranking official. 

According to Ahmed, this official had requested funds from the Shilpakala Academy without submitting any formal documentation.

Ahmed raised concerns about this behavior during his speech, directly addressing the issue in front of the audience.

In his words, Ahmed stated, “Without any formal request letter, the Shilpakala Academy must give him money! Because he really needs it. He’s working on a project. I am saying ‘no’ to this. He is allowing financial misconduct here, but how can he ask for money without any letter, when he’s an advisor! And when I said ‘no, give me a letter,’ I will definitely not give him money without a letter. I will not approve any funds here. He then told me, ‘I have respected you a lot! I won’t anymore!’”

This statement refers to the Cultural Affairs Advisor of the interim government, who, according to Ahmed, pressured him to release funds without following the proper channels.

Ahmed’s resignation follows a series of events in the government’s Cultural Ministry. 

Back on August 16th, the responsibilities of advisors were reshuffled, and Dr. Asif Nazrul was appointed to oversee the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Expatriates‍‍` Welfare and Overseas Employment, in addition to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. 

Then, on November 10th, acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki took on the role of Cultural Affairs Advisor.

Syed Jamil Ahmed also shared a written statement with the media, in which he addressed what he describes as growing interference from the ministry after the change in leadership. 

He explained that when he was initially requested to take the Director General position by the previous Cultural Advisor, Asif Nazrul, he made it clear that the Shilpakala Academy must function autonomously, free from undue influence by the ministry. 

At that time, both the advisor and senior secretariat officials agreed to his terms, which included implementing short, medium, and long-term plans to enhance the Academy’s vision and mission. 

However, after the new advisor, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, assumed the role, Ahmed claims that this understanding began to erode.

“After the advisor changed, there was repeated and unlawful interference in all my legitimate activities. Deliberate attempts were made to slow down the operations of the Academy,” Ahmed wrote.

He further pointed out specific examples of this interference, such as the advisor taking five weeks to approve the minutes of a council meeting, even though the law clearly requires that such meetings take place every three months. 

“Even though the law mandates that a council meeting of the Shilpakala Academy should be held every three months, the advisor took five unnecessary weeks to approve the minutes of the council meeting. However, the law clearly requires that a meeting be held every three months,” he said.

Ahmed‍‍`s resignation was also prompted by a number of other challenges he faced at the Academy, including bureaucratic delays, budget cuts, and the disappearance of files. 

He also accused certain officials of being complicit in creating a disruptive work environment by inciting staff members and fostering corruption within the Academy.

“Due to the unwarranted interference by the advisor and the ministry, bureaucratic delays, obstruction in carrying out the Director General’s lawful duties by appointing the Academy’s Secretary as the ‘focal person,’ budget cuts, disappearance of files from within the Academy, disruption of the work environment by inciting officials, and the malicious activities of a corrupt group, I have resigned from the position of Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy,” Ahmed said in his statement.

Efforts to reach Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the Cultural Affairs Advisor, for a response were unsuccessful, as phone calls made to him on Saturday morning went unanswered.

Syed Jamil Ahmed‍‍`s resignation has sent ripples through the cultural community, and his accusations have raised serious questions about the management of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the extent of political interference in the arts sector. 

Whether these allegations will be addressed by the authorities remains to be seen, but the situation has certainly sparked a debate about the balance between political oversight and artistic freedom in the country’s premier cultural institution.