Eminent citizens, student organisations, film activists, directors and rights activists on Sunday continued protest programmes demanding the release of film actress Pori Moni.
Actress Samsunnahar Smriti, known by her stage name Pori Moni, was arrested on August 4 from her Banani residence with liquor bottles and a case under the Narcotic Control Act was filed with Banani police station.
The protesters, at a rally under the banner of Bikkhubdha Nagarikjan held in front of the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka, said that human rights of Pori Moni have been completely ignored and she is facing an unjust treatment.
Bikkhubdha Nagarikjan coordinator Robin Ahsan said the organisation will form a lawyers’ panel to provide legal aid to Pori Moni and gave an ultimatum till September 13 to grant bail to Pori Moni. He said that the organisation will continue organising demonstrations if she is not granted bail.
Ganajagaran Mancha activist Akramul Haque, who presided over the rally, said that the government should release Pori Moni immediately.
Akramul Haque said, ‘All actions taken against Pori Moni were unfair. Law should take its own course. But in Pori Moni’s case, we are witnessing culture of power politics.’
‘I urge all to stand beside Pori Moni and raise their voices for her. The people who are still silent should understand that what has happened with Pori Moni, might happen with them as well. We need to raise our voices against the unjust treatment she is facing,’ said writer Shashwatee Biplob.
‘Pori Moni is now being portrayed negatively in social media, society and media reports. I hope that she will come back and start working in front of camera soon. The film industry is being financially affected as she is currently in jail and cannot continue her works. I urge the people associated with film industry to stand beside her,’ said Bangladesh Film and Media Society president Habibul Islam Habib.
