Farooki comments on the unexpected resignation of Syed Jamil Ahmed
Yesterday, the cultural community was taken by surprise as Syed Jamil Ahmed abruptly resigned from his position as Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy during the closing ceremony of the Munier Chowdhury Prothom Jatiya Natyautsav (Munier Chowdhury First National Theatre Festival). In his resignation, he cited ‘bureaucratic challenges’ and ‘restrictions on artistic expression,’ among other factors, as reasons for stepping down.
Today, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki addressed the circumstances surrounding Syed Jamil Ahmed’s resignation in a Facebook post.
"I have long admired Syed Jamil Ahmed's work. In fact, I wrote what may be the most in-depth article about his work ever published in a Bangladeshi newspaper, in Jaijaidin’s Entertainment Magazine Mouchake Dheel. Since then, I have contributed to several Bengali and English newspapers. Even today, I consider him the most talented director in Bangladesh's theater scene. Just a few days ago, in front of him, I even suggested to a foreign ambassador that he direct a theater production in their country," Farooki shared.
He then reflected on the challenges of working within a bureaucratic framework.
"Being a talented artiste and managing an institution within a bureaucratic system require different skill sets. The latter demands patience and management abilities. Many things can be achieved through love and respect without creating intimidation. However, leading a government institution is not the same as leading a theater troupe. What works in my film unit does not necessarily work in a government office," he explained.
Farooki also expressed his initial reluctance to comment on Jamil Ahmed's resignation.
"I didn't want to comment on Jamil Bhai’s dramatic resignation because doing so would require mentioning things that might make him uncomfortable. Out of respect, I refrained. But now, I feel the need to address it. There is much to be done today, and I will write more on this when I have the time," he stated.
The adviser further questioned some of Jamil Ahmed’s claims.
"For now, I will say this: many of his statements are not entirely accurate, some are outright false, and some seem to stem from frustration over difficulties in handling certain situations. Writing about this in detail might embarrass him, but I believe in speaking the truth, even if it is uncomfortable," Farooki added.
Concluding his remarks, he extended his best wishes to Jamil Ahmed.
"I wish him all the best. If I can assist with his creative work, the ministry would be fortunate. Even after I leave my position, I will gladly offer my support if needed, although our fields of work are different," he stated.
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