Bangladesh Film Artists Association organising secretary Joy Chowdhury has been accused of threatening entertainment journalists, including Bangladesh Cine-Journalist Association (BACHSAS) office secretary Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, during the ongoing activities surrounding the upcoming artists’ association elections at the FDC.
In a joint statement, BACHSAS President Kamrul Hasan Darpan and General Secretary Rahat Saiful expressed “deep concern and strong condemnation” over the incident.
According to the statement sent to the media, Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan was allegedly threatened over the phone by Joy Chowdhury while carrying out his professional responsibilities.
The statement claimed that the actor threatened to physically assault him and also attempted to intimidate him by allegedly threatening his job.
BACHSAS said Ruhul Amin regularly visits the FDC as part of his journalistic duties ahead of the Bangladesh Film Artists Association elections.
The organisation alleged that the threats created obstacles to independent journalism and raised concerns about the safety of journalists working in the entertainment sector.
The statement further alleged that on May 10, Joy Chowdhury also made remarks targeting entertainment journalist Ranju Sarkar, a member of BACHSAS and reporter for the daily Manabkantha, saying he would “play” him during the elections if he attended the FDC for professional work.
Calling the behaviour “arrogant” and “thuggish”, BACHSAS said such conduct towards journalists and members of the organisation was unacceptable from a responsible film artist.
The organisation also noted that BACHSAS has long worked in support of film journalism and the country’s film industry, maintaining a cooperative relationship with artists and cultural organisations.
In the statement, the BACHSAS leadership stressed the importance of ensuring journalists can perform their duties independently and safely within the film and cultural sectors.
It also urged the Bangladesh Film Artists Association to take appropriate organisational action regarding the allegations against its organising secretary.
