While widely respected as an actor, Afzal Hossain is also a celebrated filmmaker, writer, and painter. He frequently takes to social media to address various national issues, shedding light on numerous injustices.
In a recent post on Wednesday, October 30, he expressed his frustrations, stating, “People are complicating their lives by applying deceitful tactics in food, medicine, healthcare, daily essentials, institutional services, education, information flow, and even in relationships. This complexity has led to a dire situation for many.”
Here is Afzal Hossain’s message in its entirety:
01
We live in a country that we claim as our own. If this country is ours, then we have responsibilities. Many may not understand what these responsibilities entail. This ignorance is not a fault. However, the actions of intelligent individuals are increasingly harassing the lives of others! What is the way out of this grave danger?
While shopping for necessities, people are getting cheated on prices. Expired products are being sold to consumers after their shelf life has been deceptively extended. No one will acknowledge that such cunning is acceptable. Recently, I saw a person who outwardly practices a religion but is deeply dishonest. It was revealed that this so-called religious person was involved in the rise of egg prices. Observing such individuals using dishonest means to amass wealth leaves little room for hope.
Deceptions in food, medicine, healthcare, daily essentials, institutional services, education, information flow, and even in relationships are complicating lives. People are trapped in these complexities, leading to tragic situations. Some individuals, solely for their own prosperity, continuously exploit others, but in the end, how much do they really gain?
News emerges that someone has embezzled thousands of crores. It becomes known that someone has transferred vast sums of money abroad – an amount so staggering it’s hard to fathom. Can such individuals be considered mentally sound? When these events spread, what will their friends and family think?
A person who spreads false news and sees their audience growing—how do they feel? Do they feel proud? They do. Recognizing that deceit brings success only drives them to escalate their deceptive practices. This has become our reality.
02
Many people have died due to misplaced trust. They believed the country would improve, that people would be better off. We fail to see any benefit in hopeful news; rather, we find excitement in tales of despair and deception. The nation and its people are increasingly trapped in a web of various deceptions. This is a new crisis. People have long witnessed how individuals can disregard their own lives for the sake of change. Those who remain alive are so shameless and self-serving—they want to build their own empires atop the sacrifices and blood of others.
These crude desires are often fulfilled. Can people view this as success or a true achievement?
03
One day, after attending the burial of an acquaintance, we paused by a notable grave. Although we didn’t know the individual personally, they felt familiar. We stood in prayer, then decided to look around at other famous graves in the cemetery.
We noticed a group gathered around one grave, intently observing something. Out of curiosity, we joined them. It was a woman’s grave. Her name, address, and date of death were inscribed, along with the name and achievements of her well-known, successful husband, highlighted prominently. Hearing some inappropriate comments about the husband’s name, I questioned, as we left, how reckless people can be for money, power, and success. Is this why we come into the world? Is there joy in wanting everything? Is the essence of life merely in having it all?