Staff Reporter :
Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has criticised the appointment of Jamil Ahmed as Director General (DG) of the Shilpakala Academy, labelling him a friend of fascist dictator Sheikh Hasina.
Rizvi made these remarks to reporters after providing financial assistance to the families of three individuals who were killed during the student movement initiated by ‘Amra BNP Parivar’, on behalf of Tarique Rahman. The event took place on Tuesday, 10 September, in the Matuail area of the capital.
In his statement, Rizvi expressed strong disapproval of any dialogue with Sheikh Hasina, comparing it to negotiating with figures like Hitler, Yahya Khan, and Tikka Khan. “Why is dialogue necessary with Sheikh Hasina for maintaining stability in the country? Dialogue with Hitler? Shall we now call Yahya Khan and Tikka Khan for talks as well?” he questioned.
Rizvi also condemned the recent appointment of Syed Jamil Ahmed as the DG of Shilpakala Academy. “It is not acceptable,” he said, referring to past comments by Ahmed about bringing back Ramendu Majumder and Nasiruddin Yusuf Bachchu. “My question is, why did they run away? Why are they in hiding?”
Additionally, Rizvi pointed out that 25 Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been appointed in different districts, all of whom, according to him, have ties to the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). “They are now DCs, and they will not work for democracy,” he remarked.
Rizvi further paid tribute to three martyrs from the area—Iman, Nuru Bepari, and Babu—who lost their lives during the uprising. He offered prayers for their souls and recognised the presence of their families at the event.
Other notable attendees included ‘Amra BNP Parivar’ Convener Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Member Secretary Mithun, Dhaka University Professor Saiful Islam, Jubo Dal leader Mehbub Masum Shanto, and Chhatra Dal leader Tauhidur Rahman Awal.