Jamil Ahmed advises Mamunur Rashid to ‘step back’ amid growing tensions at Shilpakala

In light of recent tensions, Syed Jamil Ahmed, the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has advised veteran actor and playwright Mamunur Rashid to "take a break from acting for a while."

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.

Yet, in a statement to bdnews24.com, Ferdousi Majumdar clarified, "No one has said anything like that to me."

Regarding the situation, Mamunur Rashid confirmed to The Daily Star: "Jamil Ahmed did tell me not to perform in ''Rarang'' for a few days."

Jamil, however, insists that his advice was given out of personal concern. "I told him this based on our personal relationship. I'm hurt that it has become an issue," he explained.

Mamunur Rashid noted, "Syed Jamil Ahmed is not just a personal acquaintance; he's also the Director General of Shilpakala Academy. When he calls me regarding something related to Shilpakala, I assume he's speaking from his official capacity."

Why was Mamunur Rashid advised to stop performing?

An internal investigation at Shilpakala Academy reveals that the Academy wanted to stage Aranyak's production of "'Rarang'," but there was some opposition to Mamunur Rashid's involvement in the play.

This comes on the heels of another controversy, where certain groups attempted to halt the staging of Desh Natok's "Nityapurana" by branding the director, Ehsanul Aziz Babu, as an ally of the ruling party on November 2. Fearing a similar situation, Jamil Ahmed reached out to Rashid.

Jamil Ahmed explained, "Mamunur Rashid holds immense respect in my eyes. Who am I to ban him? I only called to inform him of the situation."

"Some people remain angry with him because of a statement he made during the July protests," he added. "I just wanted to make sure that an artiste of his caliber wouldn't face any form of disrespect."

Jamil clarified further, "I want 'Rarang,' which I deeply admire, to be staged all over the country. After what happened with 'Nityapurana,' I didn't want any controversy surrounding Mamunur Rashid."

"I suggested that it might be wise for him to avoid performing for a while. Once things settle down, he can return to acting. But he's not been banned."

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When art and politics collide

When asked to comment, Mamunur Rashid said firmly, "No one should be able to stop theatre out of fear. The staging of 'Nityapurana' was halted, but we all protested together, and the play was eventually staged again. If anyone tries to stop our plays, we will unite and resist."