PP Faruqi Accuses Entertainment Industry Figures of Supporting Fascist Forces

Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi has accused figures from the entertainment industry of supporting "fascist forces" throughout the 15-year rule of the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He claimed that actors and actresses backed Hasina’s orders to violently suppress protesters during the July movement, acting from wherever they were, according to bdnews24.com. These allegations were made during a bail hearing for Dhallywood actress Nusraat Faria, who faces attempted murder charges linked to last year’s mass protests. Faruqi urged that entertainers involved be held accountable to prevent the resurgence of fascism in the country. He also revealed that authorities are searching for film star and former MP Ferdous Ahmed in connection with the investigation.

Faruqi stated that playwrights, actors, and actresses collectively supported the fascist regime for 15 years through their artistic work and must be brought to justice to stop fascism from returning. He emphasized the entertainment industry’s role in encouraging authorities to use force against Shahbagh protesters and described them as key collaborators in suppressing the movement. According to him, Hasina gave orders to kill protesters, and actors, including Nusraat Faria, aided in carrying out these orders. Police have been actively seeking her.

During the hearing at Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque’s court, police submitted a request to keep Nusraat in custody for the investigation, which the court granted. Nusraat, who was arrested at Dhaka’s airport while attempting to fly to Thailand, was seen in court wearing protective gear and appeared physically unwell. Her lawyers argued that she was abroad during the protests, supported the movement online, and was wrongly implicated due to her acting roles, asserting she is not affiliated with the Awami League. They requested bail, stressing her innocence and health condition.

Opposing the bail plea, PP Faruqi highlighted that Nusraat is a named suspect, not just under investigation, and alleged that entertainers often join fascist forces to advance their careers, naming Nusraat’s political alignment as an example. Faruqi also noted Nusraat’s role as Sheikh Hasina in the biopic “Mujib: The Making of a Nation,” clarifying that acting in the film is not a crime but criticizing her public statements and alleged involvement in online gambling, which he claimed harms youth. He warned that entertainers continue to engage in subversive activities aiming to revive fascism and disrupt investigations.

The court ordered a report to verify Nusraat’s whereabouts during the protests and her social media activity supporting the movement, with the next bail hearing set for May 22. The case, filed by Enamul Haque, involves 283 accused, including several well-known actors, and centers around a July 2024 protest where gunfire injured Enamul.