Veteran actor Mamunur Rashid has urged political parties to stop dividing artistes along political lines and called for greater unity and stronger institutional support for performers.
He made the remarks at an event marking the first anniversary of the executive committee of the Actors’ Equity Association and the launch of the organisation’s official website.
The programme took place at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on 14 July.
“I have acted and worked with many of the people present here. We are all colleagues and part of the same family,” Mamunur Rashid said as he reflected on the hopes and aspirations of artistes, the need for state recognition and their relationship with politics.
He said the acting community had repeatedly urged political parties not to categorise artistes by political affiliation, but their appeals had gone unheard.
“The same situation still exists,” he said. “State institutions such as television and radio continue to include different groups of artistes at different times.”
“Political leaders need to become more aware of this issue. Otherwise, the rights of actors cannot be ensured.”
Mamunur Rashid also stressed the need to strengthen the organisation so it can better support artistes facing financial hardship or personal crises.
He said many performers struggle during difficult times, while the organisation often has limited capacity to help.
“If an artiste meets with an accident or feels helpless, at least a few people should be able to stand beside them. We can support one another only if we expand the scope of the organisation,” he said.
He expressed hope that the association would continue to stand by artistes in times of need, just as it did during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the organisation should remain active in protecting the safety and welfare of performers.
“One of the greatest strengths of a large organisation is knowing it will stand beside you during difficult times. Actors’ Equity should continue to provide that assurance,” he said.
As an adviser to the organisation, Mamunur Rashid also emphasised the importance of solidarity within the acting community.
“Unity among artistes is essential. We have all come here to act. It does not matter who is the bigger artiste.
We should never forget the colleagues we have worked with. We should remember them in our moments of joy, sorrow and celebration,” he said.
Veteran actor Ferdousi Majumdar, the founding president of the organisation, attended the programme as the chief guest.
The event also marked the launch of the organisation’s official website, inaugurated by Mamunur Rashid. Actor Shahadat Hossain hosted the programme.
Among those present were Dilara Zaman, Khairul Alam Sabuj, Sara Zaker, Faruk Ahmed, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Azizul Hakim, Toukir Ahmed, Ali Raj, Subrata, Shiba Shanu, Kochi Khandakar, Rashed Mamun Apu, Rawnak Hasan, Ahsan Habib Nasim and others.
