Shilpakala DG hands in resignation letter after fiery speech

Noted theatre personality Syed Jamil Ahmed, in a surprise move, handed in his resignation as director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy yesterday, citing "bureaucratic challenges" and "restrictions on artistic expression".

He announced his resignation at the closing ceremony of the "Munier Chowdhury Prothom Jatiya Natya Utshab, organised by the BSA training department, where Jamil Ahmed attended as chief guest.

Jamil gave a fiery speech before the audience before informing them of his resignation.

"I accepted the position out of a sense of obligation [on September 9]. It was my intention to bring financial stability and administrative order, allowing art to flourish within the academy's core principles.

"However, it's no longer possible for me to continue working here, and so I'm submitting my resignation letter to the secretary [of Shilpakala, Mohammed Wares Hossain] in front of you all."

He alleged financial mismanagement within the academy, claiming the administration treated allocated funds as "personal assets".

"My request for a Tk 165 crore budget was not fully met. If we [Shilpakala authorities] must repeatedly call upon the administration and still fail to establish a collaborative and peaceful working environment due to bureaucratic obstacles, I don't see how I can effectively fulfill my role here.

"I've given this decision a lot of thought. It's now time for me to return to my own theatre work."

He expressed sincere thanks to the Shilpakala Academy staffers for their unwavering commitment in restoring the nation's artistic spirit after a tumultuous period.

He further voiced his concerns over restrictions on cultural expression, particularly the prohibition of the term "Adivasi" (indigenous communities).

"We were told that we can't even utter the word 'Adivasi.' As I step down today, I now utter this word and express my heartfelt wish that the Adivasis receive their rightful recognition, that they are free from all forms of oppression and can live with the same rights and dignity as every other citizen of this country."

Jamil concluded his resignation speech with a broader call for social justice.

"I dream of a discrimination-free Bangladesh, a nation that upholds the ideals our martyrs sacrificed their lives for. We're losing sight of the spirit of the recent July movement, and I sincerely hope that Shilpakala Academy will work toward realising that vision in the future."

However, on the same stage, the Secretary of Shilpakala Academy, Mohammad Wares Hossain, said he does not have the authority to accept the resignation and that the responsibility lies with the cultural affairs ministry's secretary. 

Md Mofidur Rahman, acting secretary of the ministry, told Prothom Alo that he heard about the resignation but has not yet received the official letter that Jamil handed to Wares.

"I'll make further comments after receiving the letter."

Later, Jamil spoke to a crowd of theatre activists outside the Natyashala auditorium.

He said he would withdraw his resignation only if some conditions were met: Shilpakala Academy must be allowed to operate with complete autonomy and free from interference by the cultural affairs ministry, whose role should only be providing necessary legal counsel; the authorities must allocate necessary funds for the academy; and the Shilpakala Academy must have the right to use the term "Adivasi" when it needs or wants to.