Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has joined Bangladesh’s entertainment industry in condemning the controversial inclusion of actor Iresh Zaker in a murder case, highlighting widespread concerns over politically motivated harassment and the misuse of legal procedures.
Prominent cultural figures and entertainment professionals have expressed solidarity with Zaker, stressing that these charges represent a misuse of the legal system aimed at silencing individuals who stood up during last year’s anti-discrimination demonstrations.
The case, filed on April 20 by Mostafizur Rahman Bappi, brother of Shrabon who was killed in anti-Hasina movement , implicates Zaker among 408 accused.
The charges concern a fatal shooting incident in Mirpur during protests last July.
Several cultural figures, including director Ashfaque Nipun and actress Azmeri Haque Badhan, pointed out Zaker’s active role in the movement , emphasising his commitment to justice and human rights.
Director Ashfaque Nipun expressed disbelief, saying, “Implicating him in a murder case is absurd. Ghost cases like this only shield the real perpetrators.”
Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan added, “Seeing Iresh subjected to such harassment breaks my heart. Those who stand up for the truth often become targets, which is deeply painful and disappointing.”
Farooki described the charges against Zaker as “deeply troubling and disturbing,” noting his personal knowledge of Zaker’s sincere involvement in peaceful activism.
He clarified that the case was initiated by an individual, not the state, and expressed hope that law enforcement would thoroughly investigate and differentiate truth from falsehood.
Earlier, on April 25, the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) froze all bank accounts of Asiatic Marketing Communications Limited, the parent company of Asiatic 360, headed by Zaker as Managing Director and his mother Sara Zaker as Chairperson, citing separate allegations of tax evasion.