Bangladeshi film actress Mahiya Mahi has spoken out against online abuse targeting her young son, describing the attacks as inhumane and urging people not to drag children into political disagreements.
In a lengthy video shared on her Facebook page, Mahi criticised those who mocked her child on social media. The caption read: “Murad and the Biharis’ outrage. I request everyone to listen. This is not a request from an actress, but from a mother.” The video quickly sparked widespread discussion online.
At the beginning of the video, Mahi said political differences were natural but insisted that targeting an innocent child could never be justified.
“I don’t think you are human. If you were, you would never speak about a small child or insult a woman like this,” she said. “Politics is one thing. Trolling a child is something completely different.”
She accused critics of attacking both her character and her son.
“You are talking about my character without knowing me. You are also dragging my little child into this. You are trolling and bullying an innocent boy. Aren’t you afraid? Don’t you fear Allah?” she said.
Mahi said the attacks had deeply hurt her as a mother.
“My child may look however he does, but to me he is a prince. Allah will not tolerate the way he has been bullied. I am saying this not as an actress, but as a mother,” she said.
Although she said she did not believe in cursing others, Mahi admitted that a mother’s pain often led to emotional words. She added that she prayed those responsible for the abuse would still be blessed with healthy children.
The actress also addressed her political views, saying online criticism would not change her beliefs.
“Do you think bullying me will stop me from speaking about the Awami League or Sheikh Hasina? That will never happen. I will continue to speak about Sheikh Hasina, independence and the people of Bangladesh,” she said.
Praising former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Mahi said she admired her and would even sacrifice her life for her if necessary. She claimed Sheikh Hasina had always treated artists above politics and supported them regardless of their political affiliations.
Referring to comments previously made by Shiba Sanu, the current president of the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association, Mahi said he had acknowledged that Sheikh Hasina had offered him financial assistance during illness. She argued this reflected the former prime minister’s willingness to help artists without considering their political identity.
Mahi further claimed Sheikh Hasina had provided financial support to many sick artists, National Film Award winners, Ekushey Padak recipients and others who needed medical treatment or assistance in bringing home the bodies of loved ones.
She also urged fellow artists not to remain silent in the face of injustice.
“Even if you cannot speak openly, at least protest when you see injustice,” she said. “An artist’s voice reaches far more people than that of an ordinary citizen. We should use that influence for the people.”
She added that standing beside victims of injustice was the responsibility of every artist, even if only through symbolic protest.
Ending the video, Mahi reiterated that online abuse would not force her to change her position.
“Insult me as much as you want. Say whatever you like about me and my family. I will still speak about Sheikh Hasina, independence and the people of Bangladesh. My position will not change,” she said.
Recently, Mahi released several videos making allegations against former state minister for information and broadcasting Murad Hasan. In her latest video, she also discussed her personal experiences, the online abuse directed at her son, her political views and the role of artists in society. The video has generated extensive discussion across social media.
