Photo : Collected
The student quota reform movement later transformed into a mass movement of students and the general public. In the face of the movement, Sheikh Hasina, the four-time prime minister, resigned and left the country. Many from Dhaka's showbiz arena have expressed support for the students. For quite some time, many were seen on the field with the students during the movement. Popular cultural personalities and artistes of the country have reacted on social media to the victory of students and the public.
“I congratulate this young generation. Like '52, '69 and '90, students led the mass movement in '24 as well. Student movements have never been defeated. This time too, students have proven that,” Hanif Sanket, a popular presenter, producer and director, said in an interview with a leading media outlet.
He further said, “I pray for the peace of those who sacrificed their lives for our victory, and I demand a fair trial for these killings.”
In an immediate reaction, veteran actor Abul Hayat said, “After a long time, the young people made us cry. I cried with joy along with everyone. What a joy, I am overwhelmed. Again and again. It felt like we became independent for the second time. This is great news of joy for the countrymen. There was also a shadow of sadness in my mind. Those who sacrificed their lives in this student-public movement, I remember them every moment. All who were part of this successful movement to build the country, students and the public, are our pride. Since afternoon, thinking about the courageous achievements of the students, one thought keeps coming to my mind - hats off to you. What you have done for the nation, what you have said, no one else could say. You are our proud future.”
Actor Siam Ahmed wrote on Facebook, “Dear youth, you have created history through an unprecedented movement. We are dreaming of a new Bangladesh. But the events we have been seeing since this afternoon until now are extremely sad.”
“We now have a lot of responsibility. Our work is not over yet. People of every religion are equally important to us. This Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, this Bangladesh belongs to Hindus, this Bangladesh belongs to Buddhists, Christians, everyone. No one's home in this country should be set on fire. Those who are doing this are undoubtedly miscreants. They must be resisted. We all need to be vigilant in every neighbourhood.”
“Please do not attack police stations. We must refrain from vindictive behaviour like arson and vandalism at the homes or offices of political leaders or organisations. Do not attack media offices, everyone has tried their best within their limitations. Do not break any sculptures. We need to be more civilised, more liberal, more humane. We must protect the country's resources.”
“We have a lot more work to do. Let's stand by each other. This country is ours, we must take responsibility,” the popular hero added.
In a Facebook post, Sadia Ayman wrote, “Please do not carry out such looting and destruction. We did not want such a victory, no one gave their life for such a victory all these days. It's our responsibility to protect our national assets.”
Sadia Ayman was active on Facebook during the student movement. Criticising the actors who went to inspect the damage to the BTV building without expressing condolences for the injured students in the movement, she had written in a Facebook post, “Shame on you guys”.
Pori Moni, a popular actress of Dhaka cinema, urged the countrymen to be restrained and not to destroy the country's assets. Pori Moni wrote on social media, “I want peace. I don't want looting, attacks on police stations, revenge.”
Notably, Pori Moni expressed solidarity with the students alongside the general public regarding the ongoing quota reform movement.
Ziaul Faruq Apurba, a popular small screen actor, wrote on his verified page, “Preserving independence is harder than achieving it. Stop looting, celebrate victory.”
He also wrote, “Students did not become martyrs for the country to be looted and for minorities to be persecuted.”
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