Media Professionals Show Support for Iresh Zaker Following Murder Case Filing5 min read
Popular actor, cultural activist, and Group Managing Director of Asiatic 360, Iresh Zaker has been named as an accused in a murder case alongside former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and over 400 others. The case stems from the death of Mahfuz Alam Shraban during last year’s July mass uprising — a movement characterized by widespread youth-led protests across Bangladesh against government actions.
Filed against Iresh and 407 others, the case alleges involvement in Shraban’s death in the capital’s Mirpur area during the unrest.
In light of the recent charges, many of his fellow artists, film directors, advertisers, and colleagues have expressed concern, calling the allegations against him unfounded and disheartening, with some citing Zaker’s active participation in the July movement as evidence of his commitment to justice and youth safety.
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Cultural Affairs Adviser, said:
“Making actor Iresh Zaker an accused in a murder case is deeply troubling, deeply disturbing.”
“Now I am part of the government, not an activist. For this reason, I need to speak less and work more. I know Iresh Zaker personally. I know he was also involved in the July movement. So this is deeply troubling, deeply disturbing,” he told reporters at the Secretariat today (28 April),” he also stated.
“He stood with us throughout July movement”: Ashfaque Nipun
Filmmaker Ashfaque Nipun, recalling those critical days, wrote:
“On August 1st, at Farmgate, Iresh Zaker and his wife stood with me and many others throughout the day in protest of the ‘July killings.’
Despite many of our colleagues going to the BTV building to express their condolences at the same time, he chose not to go there.
While there is an ongoing investigation into corruption allegations against his organisation — which should certainly proceed — the murder case filed against him is utterly absurd.
By implicating individuals in such baseless cases, there appears to be an attempt to pave the way for the real perpetrators of the July killings to escape justice. The government should be cautious of such maneuvers.”
“This is beyond ridiculous”: Nazim Farhan Choudhury
Nazim Farhan Choudhury, Managing Director of Adcomm Limited, expressed his outrage through his verified Facebook profile:
“This is beyond ridiculous!!
Iresh Zaker was in the thick of things protesting against the AL government and the atrocities in July/ August. I remember telling him that he would get into trouble for it. He didn’t think twice about it.
And even outside that he has always been one of the first to help out during any emergency and crisis.
This witch hunt against the Asiatic 3Sixty is fuelled by petty personal jealousy and rivalry. If we don’t protest this with the might of our convictions, good will fall. And the evil will continue!”
“Such moves only help the real criminals”: Redoan Rony
Chorki CEO and director Redoan Rony condemned the allegations sharply:
“A murder case filed against someone who was active in the July movement! It’s not just shameful — it’s absurd — but it cannot be dismissed as a joke, because this serves to trivialize the July murder cases and helps hide the real criminals from public view.
Iresh Zaker has been active in the July movement from the very beginning.
Read more: BRAC Bank achieves Number One position in Government Securities trading for 3 consecutive years
On August 1st, when artists, filmmakers, and cultural activists gathered in front of the Parliament building to protest against fascism, the police forcibly dispersed them.
Later, we all stood in front of Ananda Cinema Hall at Farmgate, and in that rally, Iresh Bhai and Meem (Rafiath Rashid Maimun Khan) stood together in the rain.
The person who took to the streets along with almost his entire family — filing a case against him is not something to be taken lightly.
Such actions are being taken deliberately to trivialize the movement, to make light of the real perpetrators, and to make the murder cases controversial.
The government must act with greater caution to ensure that the true purpose of these cases is fulfilled. The real culprits must be identified and brought to justice without delay.
It is natural that businesses will work with governments of the time, organise events, and engage in various activities.
What matters is that if any irregularities or corruption occurred, there must be a proper investigation, and if proven guilty, punishment must be ensured according to the judicial process — this is expected under any government. That is the rule of law against corruption.
However, fabricated and sweeping murder cases are extremely disappointing!
There is only one demand from this government: that the cultivation of fascism in a new form must not be allowed again. Immediate action is needed.”
“Simply Rubbish”: Sakib R Khan
Sakib R Khan, Bangladesh Country Director of OTT platform Hoichoi, shared the news of the case filed against Zaker, writing:
“Utterly disappointing and disgusting. Simply rubbish.”
Prominent filmmakers and actresses like Shihab Shaheen, Mabrur Rashid Bannah, Rafiath Rashid Mithila, Azmeri Haque Badhan, and many more media professionals have also expressed their solidarity with Iresh Zaker, condemning the murder case against him.
Former and current Asiatic employees have also voiced their disapproval of the case filed against Iresh Zaker.
It is important to note that while these professionals spoke up against the murder case against Iresh Zaker, most of them also called for justice regarding the corruption allegations involving Asiatic 360, they stressed the need for a proper, lawful investigation — not politically motivated harassment.
For more updates, be with Markedium.
