25 celebrities branded ‘cultural fascists’ for not posting condolence messages on Zia’s death anniversary

Special Correspondent

Dhaka, 31 May 2026

A pro-BNP cultural organization has circulated photo cards calling 25 celebrities, including prominent artists, actors, teachers and lawyers, ‘cultural fascists’ for not expressing their condolences on social media on the 45th death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. The photo cards, which went viral, have drawn intense criticism on social media for their use of obscene language and tendency to denigrate prominent figures.

 

How the photocard spread

The photo cards have been widely circulated on social media since May 31, the death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. The cards include screenshots of the celebrities’ condolence posts on the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, and the lack of similar posts on Zia’s death anniversary has been portrayed as ‘duplicity’.

 

What is written on the photo card

The photocard reads, “Today is the 45th martyrdom anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman. Is there any news about these motherboards? Those who actually post ‘humble tributes’ on August 15.” The post also says, “Basically, these are cultural fascists and allies of tyranny. It is because of these cultural fascists that Hasina was in power for seventeen years.” The entire post is written in extremely ugly and vulgar language, which cannot be quoted here in full.

Those who have been listed

The list of those labeled as ‘cultural fascists’ includes film actor Shakib Khan, actress Joya Ahsan, Meher Afroz Shawon, actors Saju Khadem, Zaher Alvi, Khairul Basar, Swadhin Khasru, Dhaka University professor Kamrul Hasan Mamun, lawyer Piya Jannatul, doctor Abdun Nur Tushar, journalist J. E. Mamun and many others.

 

Objection to the argument

Those protesting against this campaign on social media say that an individual has the right to post or not post on any subject according to their own choice and consideration. It is not up to any organization to decide whose death anniversary should be mourned and whose should not be. Many are questioning whether such ‘list-making politics’ is itself a form of fascist behavior.

 

What observers are saying

Political and cultural analysts say that such propaganda contradicts the expectations of change that were created after the popular uprising. If a party cultural organization abuses and lists prominent citizens based on their opinions and beliefs, then it is a kind of attack on freedom of expression. They also say that the question is whether the ‘list culture’ that has been used as a tool of fear and oppression in the past is being repeated in a new form — the question is now coming to the fore.

 

No official statement has been received from the concerned organization on this matter. The BNP central leadership has also not commented on this campaign so far.