An application has been filed with the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the International Crimes Tribunal accusing 28 figures from Bangladesh’s cultural arena, including actor Ferdous Ahmed and actress Meher Afroz Shaon, of incitement and involvement in crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the July Mass Uprising.
On Sunday Al Nur Mohammad Ayas, central member secretary of the Rashtra Sanglap Forum, submitted the application. In the complaint, he described several actors and actresses as “cultural fascists” and sought investigation and trial proceedings against them.
Those named in the application include actor Riaz Ahmed and actresses Aruna Biswas, Shomi Kaiser, Rokeya Prachi, Mahiya Mahi, Nipun Akter, Tanvin Sweety, Hridi Haq and Jyotika Jyoti. Others named are actor Saju Khadem, Sohana Saba, Peya Jannatul, Shamima Tusti, Hero Alom, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Simon Sadiq, Sujata Azim, Zayed Khan, Azizul Hakim, Chandan Reza, Asaduzzaman Noor, Maria Kispatta, Shanta Farzana, Momin Mehedi, journalists Soma Islam and Anis Alamgir.
The complaint alleged that these individuals were involved in crimes against humanity, including incitement, assistance, provocation or other related offences connected to the July Mass Uprising and alleged killings.
The applicant said the complaint was filed to ensure a neutral, transparent and lawful investigation through the International Crimes Tribunal.
Speaking to journalists, Ayas alleged that several celebrities, including Shanta Farzana and Momin Mehedi, have continued to mock the July Mass Uprising. “The fall of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League took place on 5 August. The Awami League will not return in any way in the future,” he said.
In another application, the Rashtra Sanglap Forum also sought an investigation into the possible role of former president Mohammed Shahabuddin in killings during the July Mass Uprising and alleged enforced disappearances and torture during the Awami League government’s tenure.
