Since taking over the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has encountered a steep learning curve, having to navigate the intricacies of government bureaucracy and a tense political environment prone to controversies. The latest issue arose when the Bangla Academy cancelled its awards after facing criticism over the selection process. Farooki, in his first in-depth interview since joining the interim government, stated, "To be honest, the entire system needs an overhaul," pointing out that award selectors are given only 30 minutes to decide on winners, which he feels is insufficient time to properly assess someone’s body of work. Farooki, a filmmaker-turned-adviser, emphasized the need to bring in fresh perspectives to reform the cultural sector. He also discussed the political aspect of filmmaking, stating that “filmmaking is a political job” and explaining how, under the previous government, he had to be cautious when voicing his opinions on social media. He referenced the 2013 Gonojagoron Moncho protests, which he described as the start of fascism, criticizing the narrative that questioned anyone’s belief in the Liberation War. The adviser also pointed out the difficulties faced by the cultural sector under Sheikh Hasina’s government, alleging that pervasive self-censorship stifled artistic expression and prevented any art that might challenge the government. Farooki suggests that the previous regime’s restrictions left little room for dissent or creative freedom.