The Bangladesh anti-government protests against quota-based systems for job recruitment have been going on since June. They took a serious turn recently as the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suddenly resigned and flee the country. As the nation is dealing with a difficult time, Indian celebrities with connections in Bangladesh talk about the state of unrest there.
CHUNKY PANDAY, ACTOR I worked in Bangladesh in the ‘90s and I keep going back quite often. I am saddened to hear what has happened and any kind of unrest is disturbing. I am sure they will resolve it and find a solution.
I have a few friends there, like old producers, and I spoke to a couple of them a few days ago. I know these are quite trying times but the last I heard from them, they were doing fine. I have friends in Kolkata too who are in constant touch with my Bangladeshi friends.
ONIR, FILMMAKER I have Bangladeshi and Indian friends who are stuck there. This period is incredibly uncertain for them, and their daily lives have completely gone for a toss. As their friend, I’m deeply concerned.
On one hand, there’s a sense of jubilation because they feel they’ve overcome a dictatorship. On the other, there’s anxiety and fear. This kind of conflict is unprecedented, and there will be miscreants who might exploit the chaos.
Fortunately, the majority of people support a secular and democratic government. Hopefully, in the coming days, things will stabilise BIDITA BAG, ACTOR I have Bangladeshi frie.