Nusrat Fariah’s Arrest Sparks Outrage in Artistic Community

Staff Reporter

On May 18, actress Nusrat Fariah was detained by immigration police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while attempting to travel to Thailand. She was later shown arrested in a false case filed at Bhatara Police Station. The case, registered during the mass protests in July, accuses her of attempted murder. The artistic community has expressed strong condemnation, criticizing the Yunus government for suppressing freedom of expression.

Notably, Nusrat Fariah was abroad during the entire protest period in which she is allegedly implicated. Many believe her portrayal of Sheikh Hasina in the film “Mujib” is the real reason behind this harassment.

Since the incident, social media has erupted in protest, with many cultural figures standing in solidarity with Fariah.

Reactions from Artists and Filmmakers
Actress Azmeri Haque Badhon called the arrest “shameful,” stating, “Those who oppress people through fascist rule have no connection with Fariah. This is unacceptable.”

Actress Pori Moni wrote cryptically, “The message is clear—never speak your mind. Just sleep. Sleep is best.”

Mahiya Mahi expressed anger, writing, “What a disgrace! She is an artist!”

Actor Bappy Chowdhury commented, “We respect the law. If she is guilty, let there be a fair trial. But harassing her solely for acting a role is tragic.”

Actress Naushaba Ahmed questioned, “Has the state forgotten its promise of free speech? Artists must be free to practice their craft.”

Filmmaker Giasuddin Selim lamented, “This country rides on the back of absurdity!”

Director Shihab Shaheen termed the arrest “harassment beyond belief.”

Journalist-lyricist Ishtiaq Ahmed noted, “Nusrat is among our smartest actresses. Her entire career has been subjected to baseless controversies—from songs, choreography, car purchases to role choices. But accusing her of attempted murder is ludicrous.”

Actor Khairul Basher said, “She’s an actress, not a politician. If portraying a role becomes a crime, where does that leave art?”

Actress Nazia Haque Orsha wrote, “Power, position, corruption—all part of a vicious cycle.”

Director Afzal Hossain Munna questioned, “Arresting someone who was abroad during the protests—nine months later! What kind of justice is this?”

Singer Dinat Jahan Munni remarked, “The whole country is already a prison—why build more?”

Actor Sohail Rana urged, “The state must ensure artists can work freely.”

Theater director Shankhodas Gupta declared, “The judiciary has become a joke.”

Filmmaker Imel Haque sarcastically wrote, “Real criminals escape, while artists like Nusrat go to jail. Bravo, government!”

Singer Lutfar Hasan penned a satirical verse:

“Big fish swim free in plain sight,
While gentle actresses are jailed outright.
Farewell to fascism, what a sight,
The world watches our plight.”

Actor Mostafizur Noor Imran asserted, “We artists are universal. Judge us by law, not harassment.”

Theater director Ali Haydar stated, “No government has been this absurd. We demand justice for Nusrat.”

From cultural circles to the general public, questions are being raised—how justified is it to target an artist for political vendetta? Voices demanding justice for Nusrat Fariah grow louder, amid allegations of increasing media control.