Actors for change in leadership of Actors’ Equity Bangladesh

The reformist actors have always been on the side of the student protests and have spoken against the Hasina government. They have also declared their distrust of the elected executive and advisory councils of the Actors’ Equity Bangladesh.

They have declared that they(reformists) no longer recognize the elected body and has accused them of failing to uphold artistic integrity.

This was announced on September 10, fifty actors gathered together at Dhanmondi’s Rabindra Sarobar to express their disappointment and discontent. They had previously demanded that they, actors who sided with the government during the movement, to step down and apologize to the nation.

The reformist group had set a deadline til September 10 for their resignation but with the deadline passing without anyone response, they officially announced their vote of no-confidence against the leadership.

Previously on September 7, the group had sent a letter requesting a meeting with the executive committee, but that went unheard. With the constant avoidance and disrespect, the reformist group’s patience had worn thin causing them to express their discontent and demanding resignations by midnight.

Sharif Siraj a member of the reformist actors said, “We’ve made our decision, As of midnight tonight, we will no longer accept you as our elected representatives. According to our constitution, we have already marked you as irrelevant. We have not desire to speak with irrelevant people.”

Actor Shohel Mondol emphasised that the group aims to have a meaningful discussion about the much-needed reforms with those currently responsible for the association.

Actress Azmeri Haque Badhon added, “The media is not separate from the state. There have always been allies of authoritarianism in the media— people who’ve exploited their positions to entrench themselves. The youth have a different vision for the media, and I want to see it the same way as them.”

Actress Nazia Haque Orsha aslso spoke about this and said, “Why should we bear the weight of their mistakes? We’ve never been involved in any partisan activities. I call things as I see them—right is right, and wrong is wrong. I refuse to carry someone else’s load.”

Actor Shamol Mawla made himself clear that the reformist actors are not the enemies of the current government, “We are not your opposition, We’re speaking for progress. Can’t we have discussions on how to modernise this profession and elevate it to international standards? We’re all part of the same family and should unite under the same umbrella.”

Actor Khairul Basar stressed the importance of professionalism and remaining true to one’s cause. “An artistes’ association should never become a political puppet. Our actors face numerous crises. Their interests, dignity, and rights can only be secured when all screen actors are part of a single organisation. Only then can the entire system be reformed.”

These actors showed the true meaning of being an entertainer and celebrity, their job is to inspire and uplift people, and help people have their voices be heard, stand behind the public at the time of need, not becoming a political puppet or a propaganda machine, which a lot of talented artists fall into or are coerced into.