Actor Arosh Khan took to the streets during the July 2024 mass uprising and remained vocal on social media.
However, he says he is uncomfortable identifying himself as a “July warrior”, arguing that the term no longer carries the value, honesty and neutrality it was meant to represent.
Speaking about the movement during a drama shoot at Dolonchapa Shooting House in Uttara, Dhaka, on Tuesday, Arosh said he did not want to associate himself with the label.
“I do not want to carry the term ‘July warrior’ with me. The value, honesty and neutrality that this term should have had are no longer there. The term has become ugly. Many people have benefited by exploiting this label, which is why I no longer find it pleasant to hear,” he said.
Arosh said he has no regrets about taking part in the protests.
He explained that he had joined the movement for the schoolchildren from Uttara and Milestone School who were not involved in politics and were continuing their studies.
“I took to the streets for those children. If necessary, I will take to the streets for them again. I will go as far as I need to for them,” he said.
The actor also said he could not relate the movement to those who participated for political power.
According to him, there is a clear difference between his understanding of the movement and that of people who were involved in power politics.
Asked about the recent harassment of actress Azmeri Haque Badhan, Arosh strongly opposed mob violence.
He said any allegation or suspicion involving someone should be dealt with through the law rather than collective attacks.
“My mind and the limited education I have received tell me that what happened last night, and all the recent incidents of mob violence, should never happen. There are laws in the country. If there is any suspicion or complication involving someone, legal action should be taken,” he said.
Arosh pointed out that Bangladesh is no longer in the situation it was during July 2024.
He also criticised the repeated incidents of women being assaulted in public in recent years.
The actor further criticised the tendency to place political identities above people. According to him, Bangladeshis support different political parties, but society has increasingly started viewing people through their political affiliations.
“In Bangladesh, there are no people anymore. There are Awami League, BNP, NCP and Jamaat. We have forgotten that above everything else, we are human beings,” he said.
Arosh said he does not support violence against anyone, regardless of their gender, profession or political views.
“If I disagree with someone’s opinion, I simply will not speak to that person or walk their path.
If I believe someone has done something wrong or unjust, I will seek legal action and try to ensure that the person is punished,” he said.
