A General Diary (GD) has been filed with Shahbagh Police Station against actress Meher Afroz Shawon, Mahiya Mahi, and a woman, Shanta Farzana, accusing them of defaming and spreading propaganda against the July Movement.
Representatives of an organization called Rashtra Sanglap Forum submitted the complaint on Friday (July 3).
Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shahbagh Police Station, Md. Moniruzzaman, said a General Diary (GD) had been filed over allegations of online content insulting the July Movement. As the complaint involves cyber-related issues, it has been forwarded to the Detective Branch's Cyber Crime Division for investigation.
Rashtra Sanglap Forum's Central Member Secretary Anam Ayas, Tuhin Farazi, and the organization's Chief Organizer Muhammad Shah Alam Badsha have filed the GD.
According to the complaint, the July Movement has become a significant chapter in Bangladesh's history through the sacrifice of more than 1,400 martyrs and over 30,000 injured participants. It alleges that several individuals have recently made derogatory remarks and engaged in activities that insult the movement and its memorials.
The complaint first alleges that Shanta Farzana posted a video on her Facebook account showing a shoe being thrown at, or striking, the July memorial monument. The complainants claim the act was disrespectful to the memory of the martyrs and provoked public outrage.
Secondly, Meher Afroz Shawon is accused of posting several videos on social media portraying the July Movement as a staged or pre-planned event and making remarks deemed insulting to both the movement and the state.
Thirdly, Mahiya Mahi, is alleged to have shared social media posts mocking individuals and organizations involved in the July Movement by comparing their participation to acting performances, which the complaint claims demeaned those who took part in the movement.
The complainants have requested the police to investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action in accordance with the existing laws.