The Bangladesh Actors’ Association (AAB), the professional organisation representing television actors in Bangladesh, has recently issued a statement in response to the arrest of actress Nusraat Faria. The association emphasised the importance of safeguarding the dignity and rights of artists as a moral duty of the state.
On Sunday, Nusraat Faria was arrested by immigration police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Today, Monday, the court ordered her to be sent to jail.
In its statement, the AAB noted, “Actors not only contribute to entertainment but also play vital roles in social and humanitarian causes. Therefore, protecting their rights and dignity is a moral obligation of the state.”
The statement further added, “Unjust arrests, legal harassment, and unwarranted interference not only disrupt the personal lives of artists but also cause immense stress to their families. Such actions damage the reputation of the artistic community and negatively impact social stability.”
Prominent actress Azmeri Haque Badhon, responding to the incident, wrote, “What a disgrace! I am deeply concerned about the current state of affairs and the system. We live in a country where the concept of fair rights is almost unheard of.”
Television actor Khairul Bashar also spoke out, saying, “An actress’s job is to act. She is not politically active, nor involved in any political campaigns. So why this harassment over a film role?”
Nusraat Faria, who began her film career in 2015, has worked in numerous Bangladeshi and Indian films and is also active in modelling and presenting.
In its closing remarks, the AAB called upon the government to adopt fair and unbiased measures to protect the dignity and rights of the artistic community, reaffirming its commitment to justice and equality.