Staff Correspondent

A group of 101 prominent citizens has expressed deep concern over complaints lodged at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against several actors, journalists, and cultural figures by an obscure organization, warning that such moves threaten freedom of expression and professional security.

The concerns were voiced on Tuesday in a joint statement issued to media outlets by a diverse coalition of writers, artists, intellectuals, educators, lawyers, and journalists.

On July 26, the Rastrasanglap Forum (SDF) submitted a complaint to the office of the ICT Chief Prosecutor, implicating 28 cultural personalities, actors, and media workers in alleged crimes against humanity and genocide instigation during the July mass uprising.

The accused individuals named in the filing include former lawmaker and actor Ferdous Ahmed, Riaz Ahmed, Meher Afroz Shaon, Aruna Biswas, Shomi Kaiser, Rokeya Prachi, Mahiya Mahi, Nipun Akter, Tanvin Sweety, Hridi Haque, Jyotika Jyoti, Saju Khadem, Sohana Saba, Pia Jannatul, Shamima Tusti, Hero Alom, Ashna Habib Bhavna, Symon Sadik, Sujata Azim, Zayed Khan, Azizul Hakim, Chandan Reza, Asaduzzaman Noor, Maria Kispatta, Shanta Farzana, Mobin Mehedi, Anis Alamgir, and Soma Islam.

While acknowledging that any citizen or group holds the right to seek legal recourse, the statement asserted that this right must never be weaponized to curtail freedom of expression or harass individuals over political dissent. The signatories cautioned that initiating legal actions without substantiating evidence damages the social standing of the accused and fosters a climate of self-censorship within the media and cultural spheres.

Emphasizing that freedom of expression is foundational to the development of art, literature, and journalism, the eminent citizens urged state institutions to prevent the legal system from being exploited for vindictive purposes. They also called upon democratic forces, cultural groups, and media personnel to unite in safeguarding civic rights and basic freedoms.

The statement was disseminated by poet and publisher Arif Nazrul and poet and columnist Mir Robi, with key signatories including Ekushey Padak-winning writer Dr. Nurun Nabi, poet Nirmalendu Goon, and journalist Saifullah Mahmud Dulal, alongside numerous other intellectuals and activists.