Artistes’ political identity: Risks, rewards

SHEIKH ARIF BULBON :

Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister on August 5 in the face of anti-discrimination movement of the students.

After the change of the power, many things appear to change. Actors are also in crisis due to political identity.
After the fall of the government, many star performers are not available, and most of the artistes’ activities are not available on social media. Several artistes have been attacked because of their political identity.

Actress Rokeya Prachi was the central cultural affairs secretary of the Women’s Awami League from 2018 to last year. Even after the fall of the Awami League government, Rokeya Prachi announced to continue the programme for the party.

Prachi said that if necessary, she will go alone on August 15 to pay her respects to Bangabandhu. On the afternoon of August 14, she appeared in front of Bangabandhu’s memorial residence at Dhanmondi 32. At this time, 70 to 80 other cultural activists joined Rokeya Prachi.

In the evening, they lit candles on the memorial plaque outside Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32. At one point the Rokeya Prachi was attacked.

Rokeya Prachi, who has been associated with Awami League politics for a long time, has been playing an active role in various activities of the party. Due to her identity, she had to listen to various criticisms on social media.
Meanwhile, several people also attacked the house of noted actress Suborna Mustafa in one night.

The news was confirmed by actor Saju Khadem and actress Bijori Barkatullah. They said that Suborna Mustafa wass safe even though the house was attacked. Suborna Mustafa was a member of the National Parliament of the Reserved Women’s Seat-4 for Bangladesh Awami League from 2019 to 2024.

Meanwhile, popular film actor Ferdous Ahmed has not been found since August 5. He was elected Member of the Parliament for Dhaka-10 Constituency in the last national election for Awami League.

Rumour has it that Ferdous is currently in India. Many people think that he is in the country.

However, like Ferdous, popular film actor Riaz is also in hiding. Although there is no news of his political involvement, this actor could be seen in the front row in various events of Awami League.

The situation is the same with the former member of the parliament of Awami League and noted folk musician Momtaz Begum. There is no trace of her. In 2008, she was elected as a Member of the Parliament in the reserved women’s seat and also in the 2018 parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, on August 13, noted actress Shomi Kaiser resigned as the President of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB).

Shomi Kaiser, who was away from acting for several years, was busy with business and politics. She is involved with the politics of Awami League.

Actor Chanchal Chowdhury has come under fire for not speaking in support of the students during the agitation even though he has nothing to do with politics. Even after saying that he was not active on Facebook due to his mother’s illness, many negative comments came towards this actor.

Many artistes have protested the attack and outrage on artistes. Many think that artistes should be judged by their works, not political identity. But some say again, artistes should not work for a certain political party.

While talking in this regard, actress Zakia Bari Mamo told this correspondent, “Active politics is not the work of the artistes. The artiste will do his/her works properly. It is also true, when people live in a state, they cannot be neutral. He/she has his/her support for some sides. That’s normal.

But it should not be blind. Artistes will speak for people, also speak against all injustice. If the artiste is blind because of politics, who will show the way?”
Another actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila shared her feelings by this way, “We are going through a new era. We have never seen such a time before. Now we must be patient. We don’t want any more division now. Who said what when, that is their personal matter. Everyone should be united and think about the future. Thinking back now will not work.”

Actress Rukaiya Jahan Chamak said, “Artistes should not have political tags. They are for all human. But many took the opportunity to use political tags. Artistes should not do that. Now a committee with the artistes should be formed quickly. That committee will work to protect our cultural arena. I think that a committee should be formed with mainstream artistes, who have no political involvement.”
In this regard, director Saikat Nasir wrote on Facebook.

He wrote, “Artistes may have political philosophy, different opinions, and different ideals. It is everyone’s civil right. Therefore, if the swing is overthrown, they must be attacked? Is this a civilized politics? Many film artistes are running away today, which is not desirable at all. These artistes have entertained you, they are known for your loves. At least learn to forgive with those words in mind.”