Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to ensure transparency and financial accountability: Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed
Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, the newly appointed Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, emphasised the need for at least three percent of the national GDP to be allocated to the cultural sector to make the academy financially capable and self-sufficient.
He made this appeal during his first press briefing with journalists held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on 11 September at 3 PM. In this meeting, he outlined the academy's various action plans and strategies, reads a press
The event, held at the seminar room of the National Theatre Hall, began with a moment of silence in remembrance of those killed in the anti-discrimination student movements. Following this, Dr. Ahmed presented his plans for reforms in the academy, covering management policies, operational guidelines, and legislative matters through a PowerPoint presentation.
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He remarked, "Culture is not merely a domain for entertainment; it is an aesthetic expression that reflects the life force of a nation."
Dr. Ahmed also reiterated that the academy will never support a culture based on a single nation, state, or ideology. Instead, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will evolve as a democratic space for dialogue, fostering beauty, creativity, and joy through the contributions of multiple nations, languages, religions, and ideologies.
In the subsequent Q&A session, Dr. Ahmed announced that several new positions, including accounts assistants, would be created to activate and invigorate the district Shilpakala Academies, moving away from the centralisation of cultural activities in the capital.
He also mentioned plans to advance the academy's structural and infrastructural developments through short, medium, and long-term strategies. Additionally, he called on all media outlets to provide information and advice to help promote the academy's cultural endeavours nationally and internationally.
The event was attended by officials from the academy and other guests.
