Who Is Bangladeshi Singer-Actress Meher Afroz Shaon, Detained For Sedition By Police?

Meher Afroz Shaon, a renowned Bangladeshi actress, was detained by the Detective Branch of Bangladesh Police for questioning in relation to alleged conspiracies against the state, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

Her detention took place on Thursday, with Additional Commissioner Rezaul Karim Mollick stating that Shaon was brought in following the receipt of some information, though he refrained from providing further details.

"After receiving some information, we have detained Meher Afroz Shaon for questioning," Rezaul Karim Mollick, Additional Commissioner (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told news agency ANI over the phone.

When asked whether the actress would face arrest, the official stated, "We have not taken any decision yet."

Who is Meher Afroz Shaon

Meher Afroz Shaon, a prominent actress, director, dancer, and playback singer, has been vocal in her criticism of the interim government of Bangladesh on Facebook, ANI reported.

Her detention comes amidst ongoing protests and acts of vandalism, including an attack on the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka. Shaon won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the 2016 film 'Krihnopokkho'.

She was the wife of the late writer and director Humayun Ahmed. Shaon is the daughter of Engineer Mohammad Ali, a notable leader of the Awami League. Her mother also served as an Awami League MP in the reserved women's seat from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2014, as reported by The Week.

Many view Shaon's arrest as politically motivated, given her strong connections to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Reports suggest that Shaon has been outspoken in her criticism of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Bangladesh Protesters Set Fire to Awami League Leaders' Homes

Protests in Bangladesh have escalated, with demonstrators attacking and setting fire to the homes of Awami League leaders across the country. Murals of the nation's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were also destroyed and defaced in nearly two dozen districts, according to media reports.

The unrest followed a live online address by Sheikh Hasina.

On Friday, a fire was set at the residence of Awami League Presidium Member Sheikh Selim in Dhaka's Banani at around 1:30 am. However, due to a lack of police protection, the Fire Service was delayed and did not reach the scene until 2:45 am.

Unruly crowds set fire to Selim's residence in Banani. The Fire Service control room duty officer confirmed that security concerns hindered immediate access to the site, as reported by United News of Bangladesh (UNB).

The day after Sheikh Mujib's Dhanmondi-32 residence was torched and torn down, protesters also attacked, ransacked, and set fire to the house of Obaidul Quader, General Secretary of Awami League and former Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, in Noakhali's Companiganj, according to the Daily Star on Friday.

Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5 last year, when she fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that led to the fall of her Awami League's 16-year reign.

Hasina's father is widely regarded as a hero of the country's independence, but public anger towards his daughter has tarnished his legacy.

In a Facebook livestream, Hasina condemned the attack and demanded "justice."

"They can demolish a building, but they can't erase history," she said.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide."

(With agency inputs)