Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on Monday expressed disappointment over the recent arrest of actress Nusrat Faria, calling it an "embarrassing incident" for the authorities and emphasising the need to focus on identifying and prosecuting the actual perpetrators behind the July attacks.
“I usually refrain from commenting beyond the scope of my ministry, but I have an identity – I come from this very industry and will return to it in the future,” Farooki wrote in a Facebook post, referring to his identity as a filmmaker.
He clarified that the government’s stated policy has been to avoid arbitrary arrests in broad cases particularly where preliminary investigation does not indicate an individual’s involvement.
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"Our government's job is to ensure the trial of the actual offenders involved in the July incidents,” he said. “And that’s why our policy has been clear – no arrest without initial evidence of involvement.”
Referring to the ongoing case against the actress, Farooki noted that the allegations were not new and had been under process for some time.
“To my knowledge, there was no move to arrest her before the investigation was complete, but the arrest took place immediately after she arrived at the airport," Farooki stated.
He linked the timing of the incident to an atmosphere of heightened tension following former President Abdul Hamid’s recent overseas trip.
“There might have been an overreaction from nervous quarters after the backlash over Abdul Hamid’s travel,” Farooki said. “Just a few days ago, a similar incident happened involving the wife of Barrister Andaleeve Partha.”
Farooki made it clear that such actions are in no way justifiable and must be addressed with greater caution.
“These incidents are not acceptable under any circumstances, and I believe Faria will get legal remedy through due process.”
Farooki hoped that authorities will handle such sweeping cases with more sensitivity.
“We must remember, our primary responsibility is to bring the real July offenders to justice," the Cultural Affairs Adviser added.
Nusraat Faria was arrested by the immigration police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday while attempting to leave for Thailand.
She was sent to jail by Metropolitan Magistrate Naznin Akter after she was presented before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court on Monday morning.
According to the case statement, Nusraat Faria, along with actors Apu Biswas, Nipun Akter, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Zayed Khan and 12 others, were accused in an attempted murder case filed during an anti-discrimination movement in Bhatara area. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 283 others were also named in the same case.
The case was filed on April 29 at Bhatara police station, a day after a court ordered police to register it.
The actress played the role of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s younger version at the Shyam Benegal-made 2023 film 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation'.