Bangladeshi actress Nusraat Faria’s world was turned upside down when she was arrested at Dhaka Airport. The 28-year-old star, known for her powerful performances, was about to fly to Thailand when the authorities apprehended her. Faria’s arrest is linked to the violent protests that took place in July 2024, where a man named Enamul Haq was shot and injured.
The incident led to a lengthy hospital stay for Haq, who eventually filed a case on May 3 this year. The list of 283 accused individuals includes former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 17 artists, with Faria being one of them. Her role in the biopic “Mujib: The Making of a Nation,” where she played Hasina, had brought her widespread recognition. Now, her arrest has sparked a maelstrom in both the Bangladeshi film industry and political circles.
Faria’s detention has been met with outrage from fellow artists, who are criticizing the government’s move as an attack on creative freedom. Renowned actors like Ashfaq Nipun, Azmeri Haque Badhan, and Sharaf Ahmed have condemned the action, calling it “dictatorial.” Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Nusrin Akhtar has ordered Faria to be sent to judicial custody, pending further investigation. Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has assured that the government is committed to a fair and impartial probe. The actress’s fate hangs in the balance, leaving her fans and the film industry in a state of uncertainty.