Bangladesh's Ethnic Cultural Academy Stalled by Staffing and Utility Shortages

The Ethnic Cultural Academy in Haluaghat, Mymensingh, intended to be a vibrant center for Garo, Hajong, Koch, Barman, Dalu, Hodi, Banai, and Rajbangshi communities, remains largely a ghost of its potential. Since its inauguration in 2019, the Tk 10.81 crore facility has been plagued by a critical shortage of manpower and basic utilities, leaving it non-operational.

The academy, which boasts a 300-seat auditorium, a 500-seat open-air stage, and a training center, was built under an initiative of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. However, the necessary staffing and administrative approvals have yet to materialize. Construction began in 2013, and the facility was handed over to the Shilpakala Academy after its inauguration, but prolonged inactivity and poor maintenance have led to deterioration, with electricity and water supplies still not ensured.

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The delay has slowed key activities, including the appointment of staff.

Only the academy's director has been appointed so far. The proposed 10-member executive body, headed by the deputy commissioner of Mymensingh, has been submitted to the ministry for approval, but the delay is significantly slowing down key activities, including staff recruitment. Proloy Snal, the academy's director, expressed that the delay has stalled essential progress. Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner Md Saifur Rahman confirmed that a manpower structure is ready and that recruitment will proceed once the executive body gains approval, allowing the academy to finally become fully operational and serve the ethnic communities it was built for.

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a manpower structure had already been prepared for the academy. Staff recruitment and other necessary steps would be taken after the executive body receives approval, allowing the academy to become fully operational.