Actress faces harassment for celebrating Sheikh Hasina’s birthday in Bangladesh
by Aditi VermaBangladeshi actress and model Mishti Subas sparked controversy after cutting a cake to honor Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 78th birthday. The act, meant to show support for the leader, ignited an online storm, with critics accusing Subas of supporting corruption and dictatorship.
The incident took place at the Student-Teacher Center (TSC) located on the campus of Dhaka University, which is situated in Dhaka on September 29.
Visuals showed a woman sitting in a rickshaw, holding an already-cut cake, looking somewhat distressed. As she was traveling down the road, a group of young men began shouting at her, causing a commotion. They harassed her loudly, adding to her discomfort. Eventually, even the rickshaw driver, likely unnerved by the situation, asked her to get off. Standing on the side of the road, she appeared visibly upset and troubled by the entire ordeal. The scene captured a moment of tension and helplessness, with the woman feeling abandoned and distressed.
According to reports Mishti Subas, an actress and leader of the Bangmata Cultural Alliance, visited the TSC at Dhaka University to celebrate Sheikh Hasina’s 78th birthday by cutting a cake that read “78th Happy Birthday Sheikh Hasina.” Subas stated she intended to honor Sheikh Hasina after an alleged insult directed at her on Saturday at the same location.
Speaking to reporters, Subas emphasized her loyalty to Sheikh Hasina, referring to her as “Jannetri” (leader) and defending the Prime Minister against corruption accusations. Subas claimed, “It is not corruption, it is love. Sheikh Hasina has developed the country to ensure the people’s well-being.”
The event, however, triggered outrage on social media. Critics expressed their disapproval of Subas’s actions, with some accusing her of supporting a “dictator” and calling for legal action against her. One social media user, Maruf Hossain, condemned Hasina, accusing her of destroying the country and killing innocent students. Others echoed similar sentiments, demanding Subas be brought to justice for her public support.
The incident highlights Bangladesh’s deep political divide, with high tensions regarding public expressions of support for Sheikh Hasina.