Kolkata artistes distressed over detention of Bangladesh actors
Times of India | 8 February 2025
KOLKATA: Those with close ties in Dhaka have strongly reacted to the news of questioning of Bangladeshi actors Meher Afroz Shaon and Sohana Saba for allegedly "conspiring against the state".
According to the 'Daily Star', the detective branch (DB) of police picked up the actors from Dhaka on Thursday night. "The DB picked up actors Meher Afroz Shaon and Sohana Saba from the capital.Delhi Election 2025Delhi election results: AAP, BJP, Congress face off in a high-stake contestKalkaji: All eyes on high-stakes showdown between Atishi, Bidhuri and Alka LambaNew Delhi: High-profile battle in Arvind Kejriwal's constituencyRezaul Karim Mallick, additional commissioner (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told 'Daily Star' that Shaon was taken into police custody on allegations of plotting against the state. Later in the night, Saba was similarly taken into DB custody for questioning," said DMP deputy commissioner (media) Talebur Rahman, as reported by the 'Daily Star'.
Shaon is known to Indian film activist Premendra Mazumder. "Shaon, an accomplished film-maker and actor, is the wife of Bangladeshi novelist Humayun Ahmed. She has directed 'Krishnopokkho'. I was thoroughly impressed by the film and took the initiative to screen it in Kolkata. The news of her interrogation has caused me considerable anxiety. I follow her on social media and have gone through her posts regarding contemporary issues in Bangladesh. In every nation, an artiste must possess the liberty of expression. I hope matters are resolved expeditiously."
Stand-up comedian Ankita Ghosh, who worked in Dhaka for five years before shifting to Vietnam, said: "Demolition of the Bangabandhu museum is an act of violence against history. One may not like the politics of Sk Mujib or Awami League for that matter, and may have valid reasons for that; it still doesn't give one the right to destroy a piece of history. Instead of trying to stop the mob hysteria, I don't know how the administration thinks arresting artistes who are protesting this violence is the right thing to do. I'm really concerned for Bangladesh's present and future." Being a champion of freedom of expression, Ghosh added, "I especially get disturbed when I see voices of artistes getting strangled irrespective of their political allegiance because, in a healthy democracy, counter opinions should be able to peacefully coexist, especially when the opinions are against the state."
DelhiSeats: 70L + WMajority: 36BJP0AAP0CONG0OTH0Leads + Wins: 42/70BJP LEADINGSource: PValueMusic director Debojyoti Mishra, who has been collaborating on various projects in Bangladesh since 2004, said: "I cannot relate these events with the Bangladesh where I worked from 2004 to 2023. I have collaborated with directors like Amitav Reza Chowdhury and Piplu. I composed the music for the film '1971 Shei Sob Din' and am cognisant of the country's history. I am deeply concerned about the present state of Bangladesh." Throughout his professional tenure of working in Bangladesh, Mishra interacted with both Shaon and Saba. "How can such events happen? I am astonished that creative intellectuals of Bangladesh are not voicing their opposition to this," he said.
Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim also came down heavily on the Md Yunus-led interim govt for failing to prevent 'hooligans' from destroying Bangabandhu's house and murals. Hakim said India should intervene immediately to stop absolute lawlessness in the neighbouring country to ensure the safety of Bengal's residents.
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