Bangladesh’s showbiz community has erupted in anger and grief following the shocking killing of eight newborn puppies in Ishwardi, Pabna, a case that has ignited nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger animal-cruelty laws.
The puppies, stuffed into a bag and thrown into a pond near the Ishwardi Upazila Parishad premises, were discovered last Saturday. Their mother, now under the care of the Department of Livestock Services, was found crying beside the bodies, an image that has struck the Bangladeshi public to the core.
While police have arrested Nishi Khatun in connection with the killing, celebrities across the country say accountability must go further and punishment must be exemplary.
Jaya Ahsan leads the outcry
Known for her longtime advocacy for animal welfare, actress Jaya Ahsan was one of the first major stars to speak out.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, she wrote: “Eight puppies were killed in Ishwardi by a ruthless, cruel, mentally unstable person. I want the harshest punishment for the murderer.”
Her condemnation quickly drew support from thousands of followers, many echoing her demand for stronger laws and enforcement. Jaya, who has been recognized by The People for Animal Welfare (PAW) as a ‘Pranobik Bondhu’, has long used her platform to defend voiceless animals.
Niloy Alamgir sheds light on the puppies’ final moments
Actor Niloy Alamgir’s post painted a haunting picture of the puppies’ last minutes: “Just imagine their struggle inside the sack… how desperately they tried to survive… how much they suffered before dying,” he wrote.
He also drew attention to the mother dog’s physical and emotional trauma: “If she cannot breastfeed, the pain may kill her too. I demand maximum punishment for this murder.”
Tawsif Mahbub and Sabila Noor add their voices
Actor Tawsif Mahbub admitted he had been unable to return to normal life since seeing the news, calling the incident “unbearably disturbing.” Actress Sabila Noor shared a detailed post on animal cruelty, describing the killing as heartbreaking and insisting that those responsible must face justice.
Sadia Ayman demands exemplary punishment
Actress Sadia Ayman expressed disbelief that a woman could commit such an act. “I demand the maximum and exemplary punishment so no inhumane person ever dares to do something like this again,” she declared.
Peya Jannatul slams abuse of power
Model and actress Peya Jannatul took aim at the entitlement and negligence that may have enabled the crime. “Being a government officer’s wife doesn’t grant anyone the right to act with impunity,” she wrote, applauding the arrest.
Her post ended with a warning to anyone who mistreats animals: “The era of abusing the powerless is over. Accountability has begun.”
As outrage continues to spread, the Ishwardi Upazila administration has already taken action, removing accused official Hasanur Rahman Nayon from his government residence after he admitted involvement, alleging his wife had asked him to “remove” the puppies.
Police are now pursuing the case under existing animal-cruelty laws but celebrities and citizens argue that the law itself is not strong enough.
