Acknowledging the contributions of Dr Jamil, who resigned from BSA DG post on Friday, to the country’s theater scene Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said many of Dr Jamil’s statements after his resignation were not entirely true.
“Many of Dr Jamil’s statements were not entirely true, with some being outright false and others stemming from frustration in dealing with challenging situations,” Farooki wrote on Facebook after the sudden resignation of BSA Director General Dr Syed Jamil.
"While my detailed writings may embarrass him, the situation has forced me to speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be," he wrote.
Farooki also expressed his admiration for Dr Jamil’s work, stating that he had written one of the most detailed articles about him in the Jaijaidin entertainment magazine ‘Mouchake Dhil’ and had continued to write about him in both Bangla and English newspapers.
He emphasized that he still considers Dr Jamil one of the most talented directors in Bangladesh's theater scene. “Just a few days ago, I even requested a foreign ambassador to collaborate with him on a theater production in their country,” he added.
However, Farooki pointed out the distinct difference between being a good artist and managing an institution within the bureaucracy and highlighted that while running an organization requires patience and managerial skills, it is crucial to work with colleagues through love and respect rather than intimidation. “The temperament required for leading a government institution is not the same as directing a theater troupe,” he stated.
Farooki mentioned that he had initially refrained from commenting out of respect. However, he noted that the need to set the record straight had compelled him to speak out.
Farooki expressed his best wishes for Dr Jamil’s future and his creative endeavors. "If I can be of any help in his future creative work, the ministry will be honored. I will also be happy to assist him after stepping down from my duties, although our fields of work differ," he added.
The Shilpakala DG announced his resignation on Friday while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the first Munier Choudhury National Theatre Festival at BSA's National Theatre Hall, citing administrative interference and bureaucratic obstacles as key reasons behind his decision.
He claimed that he was unable to work independently and faced frequent delays in securing necessary allocations for the academy’s development.
He further alleged that lack of cooperation from the government officials and employees, and issues related to corruption and syndicates made it difficult for him to fulfill his responsibilities.
No one from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has yet responded about the matter to UNB.
However, it has announced cancellation of an upcoming press conference on Sunday, which was announced before the resignation of its DG.