In Bangladesh, the popular actress Pori Moni has faced harassment and threats from the extremist group Hefazat-e-Islam, leading to the cancellation of her scheduled appearance at an event. This incident highlights the growing influence of Islamic fundamentalism in the country, which has caused significant concerns among cultural and artistic communities.
Pori Moni was set to attend the inauguration of the “Harlan Store” cosmetics shop in Elenga Tin Market, Tangail, on January 25. However, Hefazat-e-Islam’s Tangail branch strongly opposed her visit, with local leaders threatening violence if she attended. The store’s owner, Mir Masud Rana, confirmed that due to the intense pressure, police advice, and the group’s protests, the event was canceled.
Rana stated, “Pori Moni was supposed to attend the event, but Hefazat-e-Islam created a movement against it. They issued threats and even planned protest programs. Police advised us to cancel the event for safety. To show respect to their sentiments and avoid any trouble, we postponed the inauguration.”
The event’s cancellation has caused significant financial losses for the store, as promotional activities had been ongoing for over 10 days. Local sources reported that announcements about Pori Moni’s visit were made publicly, which angered Hefazat-e-Islam and other conservative groups. The tension escalated over the last few days, with plans for protests and sit-ins to block her appearance.
This incident is part of a broader trend of rising radicalism in Bangladesh. Since August 5, extremist activities have intensified, targeting cultural programs, concerts, and media productions. Iconic events like the shooting of the popular TV program Ityadi have been disrupted by attacks from Islamist groups.
Cultural figures are alarmed by the increasing challenges to free expression and creative work. Despite Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus leading the interim government, many believe that his tenure has seen a troubling rise in Islamist influence. Critics argue that speaking out against such groups or their alignment with political powers often results in threats, arrests, or character attacks.
While some social media users have expressed solidarity with Pori Moni and condemned the incident, others have criticized her, claiming she is complicit in opposing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and supporting extremist agendas disguised as protests. This polarization reflects the broader tensions in the country, where dissenting voices are often stifled, and cultural spaces are shrinking under the threat of radicalism.