Jamil Ahmed confirmed that this was not an official directive. However, his comments have sparked a social media backlash, with many theatre artists criticising the suggestion. Numerous posts have emerged condemning Jamil’s stance, with some also alleging that fellow veteran actor Ferdousi Majumdar had been given similar advice.

A gazette notification to this effect was issued on November 21 by Abul Hayat Md Rafiq, deputy secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, on behalf of the president. Jamil Ahmed will serve as director general with all the accompanying salary and benefits of a secretary-level position.

Ahmed initially managed to calm the protestors, allowing the performance to start, but their discontent flared up again as they regrouped at the entrance to the theatre hall. When some attempted to breach the gate, Ahmed and Desh Natok members decided to call off the performance.