Bangladesh is increasingly emerging as a hotspot for Islamic fundamentalism, posing significant threats to liberal thinkers and cultural figures. Extremist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliates, have recently targeted several cultural events and concerts.
The latest individual to face such hostility is Bangladeshi film actress Pori moni, renowned for her bold and outspoken personality. On January 25, she was scheduled to attend the inauguration of a showroom in Tangail, an event that had been promoted for over ten days. Despite being en route to the venue, her appearance was abruptly canceled after Hefazat-e-Islam, a hardline extremist group, strongly opposed her participation.
With over a decade of experience in the film industry, Porimoni has become a prominent figure. Recently, she took to Facebook to voice her frustration and disappointment over a distressing incident, stating that she feels “enslaved.”
Her post read:
“How long can we remain silent? I feel enslaved. Why are artists constantly facing such barriers? Why do I feel insecure? Why are we not safe in an independent country?”
Pori moni also highlighted that other artists, including Mehazabien and Porshi, had previously endured similar harassment. She questioned the motives behind such actions, writing:
“Mehazabien, Porshi, and others have been victims of this kind of harassment before. What point are they trying to prove by using religion as an excuse?”
In her frustration, she added:
“What else is there to say? Should we just shut down the entire film and entertainment industry in this country?”
Referring to the alleged emotional manipulation by Islamist groups during the so-called “July Uprising,” Porimoni posed a critical question:
“Were we emotionally manipulated back then, or are we being manipulated now? Which is it? This is something we all must take responsibility for.”
The recent series of extremist attacks has left Bangladesh’s cultural and entertainment sectors in a state of profound demoralization, with many too afraid to speak out. Against this backdrop, Porimoni’s social media post has drawn widespread support. Within just 40 minutes of being shared, it received over 40,000 reactions and was shared by more than 2,000 Facebook users.
Despite the public outcry, the interim government, led by Dr. Yunus, has yet to issue any statement on the matter. Similarly, central leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam, Bangladesh, have remained conspicuously silent.
In her post, Porimoni also highlighted that other artists, such as Mehazabien and Porshi, have previously endured similar harassment. She questioned the motives behind such actions, writing:
“Mehazabien, Porshi, and others have been victims of this kind of harassment before! What are they trying to prove by using religion as an excuse?”
Expressing her frustration, she added:
“What else is there to say? Let’s just shut down the film and entertainment industry in this country!”
Actress Pori moni also addressed the alleged emotional manipulation employed by Islamist groups during the so-called “July Uprising,” posing a critical question:
“Should we assume that we were emotionally used back then, or are we being used now? Which one is it? We all must take responsibility for this.”
