Prominent Bangladeshi actress Nusraat Faria, renowned for her portrayal of Sheikh Hasina in the biographical film Mujib: The Making of a Nation, was arrested on May 18 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while preparing to board a flight to Thailand. The arrest was made in connection with an attempted murder case tied to the 2024 anti-government protests.The Times of India+1@EconomicTimes+1Wikipedia+10The Times of India+10The Times of India+10
Faria, 31, was detained by immigration police following an arrest warrant issued as part of a broader investigation into violent incidents during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The case, filed by Enamul Haque, accuses 283 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 17 actors, of attempted murder and financial support to suppress the movement .https://www.peepingmoon.com/+6Dhaka Tribune+6The Financial Express+6
The specific allegations involve a shooting incident in Dhaka’s Bhatara area during the July 2024 protests, where Haque was reportedly injured. The case claims that Faria and other accused individuals provided substantial financial backing to suppress the movement .Dhaka Tribune
Following her arrest, Faria was presented before a Dhaka court, which ordered her to be sent to jail. However, on May 20, she was granted bail upon furnishing a Taka 5,000 bond .The Times of IndiaThe Times of India
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry in both Bangladesh and India. Tollywood director Birsa Dasgupta, who worked with Faria in the 2019 film Bibaho Obhijaan, expressed surprise at her arrest, recalling her as a dedicated and enthusiastic actress. Actor Om Sahani, who co-starred with Faria in Hero 420, described her as professional and expressed relief at her release on bail .The Times of India+3The Times of India+3Wikipedia+3
Faria’s arrest is part of a broader pattern of legal actions against public figures following the 2024 protests. Critics argue that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissent. Bangladeshi actor Azmeri Haque Badhon highlighted concerns about systemic harassment and the targeting of individuals without substantial evidence .https://www.peepingmoon.com/Wikipedia+2The Times of India+2https://www.peepingmoon.com/+2
As the case progresses, Faria’s legal team is preparing to contest the charges, asserting her innocence and challenging the evidence presented. The next court hearing is scheduled for May 22, where further proceedings will determine the course of the case.
Faria’s career, marked by significant achievements in both Bangladeshi and Indian cinema, now faces uncertainty amid these legal challenges. Her portrayal of Sheikh Hasina in the biopic directed by Shyam Benegal brought her critical acclaim and international recognition. The outcome of this case will not only impact her personal and professional life but also set a precedent for how political dissent and artistic expression are navigated in Bangladesh’s evolving socio-political landscape.Wikipedia+2The Times of India+2The Times of India+2
