We strongly condemn the attack on film directors, allegedly by members of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatradal (JCD), at the Department of Films and Publications’ (DFP) office in the capital’s Circuit House area on Monday evening. According to a report in the Prothom Alo, the directors had gathered at the DFP director general’s office to collect their payment for making films and documentaries related to the July uprising. The interim government had approved grants for these, but the funds were not disbursed as promised before the 13th parliamentary election. As the grant cheques were finally being given out on Monday, a DFP official allegedly demanded a “percentage.” When the directors refused, the official called in some 40-50 people, along with several JCD members from Habibullah Bahar College, who assaulted the directors in front of the DFP director general. At least seven film directors were injured in the incident, and the DFP officer in question was temporarily suspended.
The incident raises questions not only about the persistent “bribe” culture in accessing government grants, but also about how easily an officer could allegedly call ruling party activists to intimidate and extort. Given past allegations against BNP’s grassroots activists, as well as infighting among factions, many anticipated that the situation would only worsen once the party came to power. The BNP leadership apparently pledged to rein in its party activists, but allegations of violence by BNP-linked groups or individuals still surface. The BNP must nip the situation in the bud before its student wing and grassroots activists acquire a tendency to exert their political muscle for undue benefits. This is particularly urgent as the country prepares for local government and city corporation elections which, historically, have seen more violence than national polls. It is crucial that all political parties contain their activists and warn them against wielding political muscle.
We urge the government to investigate the DFP incident and ensure that the attackers are arrested and tried without political influence. In such instances, disciplinary actions from the party are not enough; the police must be empowered to act without facing political reprisal and the legal system should be able to operate without partisan influence. No political activists, whether from the ruling or opposition party, should feel that they are above the law.
