The event, titled “Manush Bhojle Shonar Manush Hobi”, was notably attended by chief guests Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Ministry of Cultural Affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

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.

While the play had started on time, the demonstrators resumed their protest outside the gates shortly afterwards. To prevent any escalation, Syed, in consultation with Desh Natok, the theatre troupe helming the play, decided to call off the show. He explained this decision in a virtual press conference on Monday morning.

Sources at Shilpakala Academy confirmed that since the student-led protests, army personnel have been stationed in various rooms of the National Theatre Hall, making it impossible to allocate spaces for events or rehearsals. However, as conditions have improved, and following requests from cultural groups and organisations, the hall and two rehearsal rooms will now be available for theatre performances and rehearsals, albeit under strict conditions.

Syed Jamil Ahmed, the newly appointed director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has called for the allocation of at least three percent of the national GDP for the cultural sector to make the academy financially capable and self-sufficient.