Poet Rezauddin Stalin has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the country’s premier state-run cultural institution.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs confirmed the appointment through a gazette notification on Sunday.

Officials said four more directors will also be appointed soon, though their names have not yet been finalized.

The post of DG fell vacant after noted theatre personality Syed Jamil Ahmed stepped down on February 28 this year, only five and a half months into his two-year tenure.

At that time, he alleged “unwarranted interference” in his work as the reason behind his resignation.

Commenting on his departure, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki had noted in a social media post that “being a good artist and running an institution by taking the bureaucracy into confidence are two different arts – the latter requires patience and managerial capacity.”

Born on November 22, 1962, in Nalbhanga village of Kaliganj upazila in Jhenaidah, Rezauddin Stalin earned his postgraduate degree from Dhaka University before carving out a career in literature, journalism, and the cultural arena.

Best known as a poet, Stalin has also written essays, stories, and research-based works. His notable poetry collections include Bhalobasha Tumi, Judhdho Noi Shanti, and Ami Tumi Se. His writings are marked by a strong sense of humanity, social justice, and a celebration of love and beauty.

Through his new role, cultural circles hope Stalin will bring both his creative depth and administrative vision to lead the academy into a more vibrant future.