Is a woman’s existence a crime in Bangladesh? Is being a woman now the reason for becoming a second-class citizen? Has Mohammad Yunus, a globally renowned figure who studied in the United States, now started emulating Taliban rule in his quest for power, similar to what happened in Afghanistan?
The Target of Extremists: Women
By: Anirban Biswas, Bijendra Singh, and Samiron Pal, Kolkata
The growing instability in Bangladesh now resembles Taliban-like rule, with women repeatedly becoming the targets of extremists. Actresses Apu Biswas, Pori Moni, and Mehazabin Chowdhury have all faced numerous obstacles in recent months. Every time female artists have spoken out, they have landed in trouble. Recently, extremists even halted a women’s football match in Rangpur.
Is Women’s Freedom in Bangladesh Now a Crisis?
Is being a woman in Bangladesh now considered a crime? Do people now regard women as second-class citizens? Is Mohammad Yunus, a world-renowned figure who studied in the United States, emulating Taliban rule in Afghanistan due to his lust for power? Why did the police take two actresses into custody overnight in Bangladesh for criticizing the government?
Why is Mohammad Yunus not speaking out against the extremists after they halted the football match? Is this just an isolated incident, or is it part of a series of similar occurrences? At the end of January, organizers had planned for actress Pori Moni to attend the opening of a showroom in Tangail, but they canceled the event. According to the newspaper Prothom Alo, the organizers revealed that they were informed Pori Moni could not participate in the event. On social media, Pori Moni wrote, “Why are artists facing so many obstacles? Why are we not safe in such a free country? What are they trying to prove by using religion as an excuse?”
Such incidents indicate a serious crisis for women’s freedom in Bangladesh, where extremist forces are attempting to control women’s work and thoughts.
Mehazabin Chowdhury Also Faces Obstacles from Extremists
In November 2024, extremists blocked popular Bangladeshi actress Mehazabin Chowdhury from attending a showroom opening event. According to a report in the Daily Janakantha, an organizer revealed that they had questioned Mehazabin for her role in the anti-quota movement in July. Due to security concerns, they did not allow her to participate in the event.
This is another example of the increasing interference by extremists in the Bangladeshi entertainment industry, where women’s freedom and expression are under pressure.
Apu Biswas’ Restaurant Opening Blocked: Threats from Extremists
At the end of January, award-winning Bangladeshi actress Apu Biswas was scheduled to attend the opening of a restaurant in Kamrangirchar. However, organizers blocked her from attending. According to a report in Prothom Alo, the restaurant owner said that after announcing Apu Biswas’ participation, a few individuals went to the police station to raise objections and threatened to cause chaos.
This shows how extremists in Bangladesh are creating obstacles for actresses in every aspect of their work.
Extremists Halt Women’s Football Match in Rangpur
On Sunday, extremists in Rangpur, Bangladesh, stopped a women’s football match. Before this, a viral video showed a microphone announcement saying, “From tomorrow, no woman will be allowed to enter this market area. If any woman comes, we will send her back and will not sell anything to her.”
Such incidents are occurring in various parts of Bangladesh, where they are jeopardizing women’s freedom and safety.
Concerns Over Mohammad Yunus’ Rise to Power
After Mohammad Yunus’ rise to power, accusations have surfaced about the closure of Lalon Mela and Kirtan festivals, increased persecution of Hindus, and the destruction of shrines. In light of these events, the popular song by legendary folk singer Shah Abdul Karim reminds many: “The young people of the village, Hindus and Muslims, together used to sing Baul and Murshidi songs.” Oh, how beautiful those days were when we sang together.”
