Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has plunged into political and social turmoil. Under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the country’s overall stability has deteriorated, with worsening conditions in law enforcement, the economy, and cultural activities. Freedom in various sectors has been severely restricted.
In a dramatic turn of events, Professor Syed Jamil Ahmed has resigned as the Director General (DG) of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, citing excessive control and restrictions. He made this announcement during a public event on Friday, February 28. He also accused Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki of imposing limitations on artistic freedom.
“I took office as the Director General of Shilpakala Academy on September 9 with great hopes for the country’s art and culture. My vision was to engage people from all walks of life in cultural activities,” said Jamil. “But the Ministry of Culture continuously obstructed my efforts. They refused to provide adequate funding and did not allow creative independence. I cannot work under such conditions that compromise my dignity.”
Jamil also expressed frustration over censorship, stating, “I was told by the ministry that I cannot use the term ‘indigenous’ in my work. I refuse to accept this restriction. I stand by the rights and dignity of indigenous communities.”
Before handing his resignation letter to the Cultural Affairs Secretary, Jamil criticized the ministry for being overly restrictive and called for a more open and patriotic approach to governance.
His resignation has sparked widespread criticism in the country’s cultural sphere, with many viewing it as yet another example of the Yunus administration’s authoritarian tendencies. Some have even accused the government of being influenced by Islamic fundamentalism, leading to the suppression of progressive voices in the arts.
Professor Syed Jamil Ahmed, a renowned theater director and a veteran of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, was appointed as DG of Shilpakala Academy for a two-year term in September. His tenure became controversial when he aligned himself with the July uprising led by religious hardliners and accepted his position under the government formed after August 5, which many view as anti-liberation.
His resignation adds to the growing discontent within Bangladesh’s artistic and intellectual communities, highlighting concerns over censorship and authoritarianism under the Yunus administration.