Popular actress Mehazabien Chowdhury, known for her television roles, has sparked outrage during the promotion of her debut film Priyo Maloti. The movie, set to release on December 20, marks her entry into cinema after touring international film festivals.
On December 18, Mehazabien visited Dhaka University’s TSC to promote the film. During the campaign, she was seen putting up Priyo Maloti posters over graffiti commemorating Sohagi Jahan Tanu, a victim of a tragic 2016 rape and murder, and the July Movement, a symbol of social resistance.
Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Netizens condemned Mehazabien for disrespecting the emotional and historical significance of the graffiti.
Rifat Rashid, a student activist, expressed his outrage in a Facebook post, demanding a public apology. “Does she even know whose tribute she has covered? How could she disregard Tanu’s memory like this?”
Other reactions were equally harsh. “How could Mehazabien, as an artist, justify such insensitivity?” questioned Mohammad Kafil Uddin. Another user, Afridi Hasan, said, “As a woman, how could she demean Tanu’s memory by plastering her movie poster over it?”
The incident has fueled calls for a boycott of Mehazabien and her movie, with many urging her to issue an apology. The silence from Mehazabien’s side has only added to the growing backlash.