The case is not new. Porimoni, a popular Bangladeshi actress, had previously been jailed and later granted bail. Since then, the case had been undergoing hearings. However, on January 26, an arrest warrant was suddenly issued against her, shocking her millions of fans.
Supporters claim this is an act of retaliation. On January 25, Porimoni posted on Facebook against the growing aggression of Islamic fundamentalists in Bangladesh, which went viral. Her vocal criticism of extremist groups has allegedly made her a target.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, Bangladesh has descended into chaos, becoming a haven for radical Islamic groups. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is allegedly influenced by Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, Hizb ut-Tahrir, and other extremist organizations. Over the past six months, their agenda has shaped the nation.
Just a day before the arrest warrant, Porimoni had to cancel an event in Tangail due to Hefazat-e-Islam’s objections. Frustrated, she voiced her concerns on social media. The following morning, an arrest warrant was issued against her. Critics argue that the government and judiciary are being manipulated to harass her.
Dr. Yunus and his government often claim to have overthrown the “fascist” Sheikh Hasina regime. However, many now believe that the level of authoritarianism under his administration surpasses anything seen before in Bangladesh. The harassment of a superstar like Porimoni raises serious concerns about the state of freedom for ordinary citizens.
Porimoni’s case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Many fear speaking out, though anger simmers beneath the surface. If Porimoni, a mother of two children, is arrested, it is likely to spark chaos in the film industry. Industry insiders warn that such actions could tarnish the image of cultural advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. They demand an end to this targeted harassment.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi media reports that the arrest warrant relates to an older case. Porimoni is accused of assaulting and threatening businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmud. A Dhaka court issued the warrant after she failed to appear for a scheduled hearing.
Porimoni’s lawyer explained that she missed the hearing due to illness and had requested a reschedule. However, the court rejected the plea, canceled her bail, and issued the arrest warrant.
The case stems from a 2022 incident at Dhaka’s Savar Boat Club, where Nasir Uddin Mahmud filed a complaint against Porimoni. Despite surrendering to the court and securing bail in June last year, the case continues to be a tool of harassment, according to her supporters.
Porimoni, a mother of two, is raising her biological son Shahim Muhammad Rajya, and her adopted daughter Safira Sultana Priyam. If she is arrested, it is feared that her children will also face undue distress.
This situation highlights the deteriorating state of artistic freedom and women’s safety in Bangladesh, raising concerns over the increasing influence of religious extremism in the nation.