Leaked conversation of artists speaking against student movement goes viral

Social media is ablaze with controversy following the leak of screenshots from a WhatsApp group called "Alo Ashbei," which reportedly includes several prominent figures from the entertainment industry. 

Director Emel Haque sparked the controversy by sharing several of these screenshots on a Facebook profile in his name on 3 September. 

In his post, he said, "Aruna Biswas and Sohana Saba are now speaking out. But during the movement's peak, they had conversations supporting dictatorship. Here are two examples of that…"

An analysis of the leaked screenshots shows that members of the "Alo Ashbei" group were outspoken against the Anti-discrimination Student Movement. They targeted filmmakers and artists who supported the protests, hurling insults and derogatory remarks at them.

In one particular exchange, actress Jyotika Jyoti commented, "Fire at Bangabandhu Medical College University. The protesters are Jamaat-Shibir, they are not allowing the fire service or the media to enter." 

Aruna Biswas further said, "Hot water will do the trick."

The group's discussions also included plans to identify and "deal with" those who had turned their profile pictures red in solidarity with the movement.

The revelations have triggered widespread condemnation from netizens, with many in the entertainment industry now speaking out against the members of the "Alo Ashbei" group.

On this issue, Director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, a vocal supporter of the student protests, said, "It's certainly painful to realise that in our country, people are masquerading as artists who were either direct instigators or silent supporters of mass killings. These individuals are not only low in character as artists but also as human beings."

Director Ashfaque Nipun also said, "To all my colleagues who were in the 'Alo Ashbei' group, I want to say, there is still time to 'come into the light.'"

"It's not the murderous rulers, but the people who are the true source of all light. May you come to your senses. [Feel free to spread a screenshot of this too, if you still have any secret groups]," he added.

According to media reports, the admins of the group included former Awami League MP and actor Ferdous Ahmed, actors Riaz and Saju Khadem, and actress Shamima Tushti. The group also featured former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat.

In the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina's fall due to the student-led uprising, several members of the group, including some Awami League leaders, have reportedly gone into hiding. Some have disconnected their phone numbers, and others have fled the country, reports Prothom Alo.

For instance, Aruna Biswas has quietly relocated to Canada. When contacted by Prothom Alo about the controversy, she confirmed that the "hot water will do the trick" comment was indeed hers.