Award-winning Bangladeshi filmmaker and human rights activist Sahadat Russell is facing escalating threats to his life after multiple violent attacks by religious extremists. His outspoken advocacy for secularism, LGBTQ+ rights, and free expression has made him a prime target for fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh.
Escalating Threats and Violent Attacks
On August 7, 2024, Russell’s residence in Dhaka was attacked by extremists seeking to harm him for his bold stance against religious extremism. Fortunately, he and his family were away at the time, narrowly escaping a fatal attack. However, this incident marked the beginning of a sustained campaign of violence aimed at silencing him.
Fearing for his life, Russell fled to Nepal, seeking temporary refuge. Yet, the threats did not subside. On January 25, 2024, a second assault took place at his home in Dhaka, with militants ransacking the property in search of him. His family, still in Bangladesh, was forced into hiding. When his wife attempted to report the attack to local authorities, the police refused to file a case, further exposing the impunity enjoyed by extremist elements.
Public Execution Threats on Social Media
The dangers reached a chilling new level on January 24, 2025, when fundamentalist groups openly called for Russell’s assassination on Facebook, accusing him of promoting secularism, LGBTQ+ rights, and atheism. Bangladesh has seen similar patterns of public death threats followed by real-world attacks—raising urgent concerns for Russell’s safety.
“My Family and I Are Living in Constant Fear”
Speaking from Nepal, Russell expressed deep concern over his family’s safety, saying:
“I left Bangladesh to protect myself, but my wife and child remain in constant danger. Every day, I fear for their lives. Even here in Nepal, my safety is not guaranteed. Extremists are actively plotting to kill me. Since 2020, I have been living under the shadow of death simply for advocating human rights and opposing religious extremism.”
Russell’s fearless commitment to human rights, free speech, and secularism has earned him widespread recognition. Through independent films and investigative writing, he has exposed issues of religious persecution, social justice, and minority rights. His work has been honored in the United States, France, Nepal, India, and beyond, further establishing him as an unwavering voice against oppression.
However, this activism has come at an enormous personal cost. His ordeal is a stark reminder of the worsening climate of religious extremism in Bangladesh, where freedom of expression is under siege.