Official clarification on Ozodbek Nazarbekov's role in the Ministry of Culture

The Ministry of Culture has clarified rumors regarding Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov’s alleged resignation to pursue a deputy position. QALAMPIR.UZ contacted the press secretary of the ministry, Sirojiddin Usarov, to clarify the situation.

A ministry representative stated that there is currently no official information confirming Nazarbekov’s departure, and an official statement will be released once the situation is clarified.

Speculation around the status of Nazarbekov, as well as Hilola Umarova, the Minister of Preschool and School Education, began following a statement from the Information and Mass Communications Agency. The agency denied reports suggesting that Nazarbekov, a National Revival Party candidate, and Umarova, a candidate from the Liberal-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, had resigned to assume deputy roles.

"The reports circulating about Minister Nazarbekov’s resignation are untrue. Any updates regarding the candidacies for deputy positions will be provided through official channels, including the Central Election Commission or the respective parties." stated the agency.

Ozodbek Nazarbekov, born on May 7, 1974, in the Andijan region, is an accomplished artist who began his career in 1994 and trained under Uzbekistan’s honored artist Muhriddin Khalikov.

Over the years, he has earned numerous prestigious titles, including People's Artist of Uzbekistan (2010), People's Artist of Karakalpakstan (2012), and Meritorious Artist of Turkmenistan (2020).

He assumed the position of Minister of Culture in 2020 after serving as first deputy minister from 2017 to 2020.

Similarly, Minister Hilola Umarova has denied stepping down, confirming her commitment to continuing her role within the ministry.