The newly appointed director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed said that his mission is to make the academy corruption-free, transparent and accountable to ensure financial transparency.

He came up with this remark while exchanging his view with journalists from print, online and electronic media on Wednesday at the seminar room of National Theatre Hall.

At the event, the newly appointed director general also presented the different work plans and outlines of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to the journalists. During the meeting, he called for at least three percent of the country’s GDP to be allocated to the cultural sector.

At the beginning of the programme, a 1-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of the anti-discrimination student movement. Then, Syed Jamil Ahmed showed a presentation, outlining his plans for reforms, management policies, laws and regulations of the academy.

At the meeting, he said, “Culture is not just a field of entertainment; it is an aesthetic representation through which the vitality of a nation is reflected. The Academy will consistently denounce cultural traditions that are founded on a particular ideology. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will develop an inclusive democratic art field of invention, beauty, and joy that draws inspiration from all cultures, languages, faiths, and philosophies.” 

Later, a question-and-answer session was held. In this session, Jamil Ahmed said, “In addition to the resource centricity, several posts including account assistants will be created to speed up the activities of the district Shilpakala academies.” 

The Director General also urged all media outlets to work together in support of the academy’s cultural activities. 

Officials of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and others were present on the occasion.