GD filed against Shaon, Mahi and Shanta over remarks on July Movement

A general diary (GD) has been filed with Shahbagh Police Station against actress Meher Afroz Shaon, film actress Mahiya Mahi, and a woman identified as Shanta Farzana, alleging that they made derogatory remarks and spread misinformation about the July Movement through social media.

The GD was filed on Friday by three office-bearers of an organisation called the State Dialogue Forum (SDF).

Confirming the matter on Friday night, Duty Officer of Shahbagh Police Station SI Swapan said, "We have recorded the GD and assigned SI Raihan to investigate the matter."

He added that, as part of the investigation, the complaint had been forwarded to the Detective Branch (DB) Cyber Division to verify the social media links and digital content referred to in the allegations.

According to police sources, the complainants requested legal action after investigating allegedly defamatory statements and social media posts concerning the July Movement.

The sources said the Cyber Division would examine the online content, and if the allegations are substantiated, legal action could be taken against the accused in accordance with the law.

The GD was lodged by Anam Ayas, central member secretary of the State Dialogue Forum, Tuhin Farazi, and the organisation's chief organiser Muhammad Shah Alam Badsha.

In the complaint, they claimed that the July Movement, in which more than 1,400 people were reportedly killed and over 30,000 injured, represents a significant chapter in Bangladesh's history. They alleged that recent actions and statements by the three individuals had insulted the movement, its memorials and those who participated in it.

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According to the complaint, Shanta Farzana allegedly posted a video on Facebook showing a shoe being thrown at or striking the July Memorial, describing the act as disrespectful to the memory of those who lost their lives and capable of provoking public outrage.

The complainants further alleged that Meher Afroz Shaon published several video messages on social media portraying the July Movement as a staged or orchestrated event and making remarks deemed insulting towards both the movement and the state.

They also accused Mahiya Mahi of posting comments on social media comparing participants in the July Movement to actors, allegedly mocking individuals, political parties, members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and others associated with the protests.

The complainants urged police to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate legal action under the existing laws if the allegations are found to be true. They also called for measures to uphold law and order and protect the country's sovereignty.