The controversy stems from an incident on November 5, when Pori Moni surrendered before a court in a case filed by businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmood and successfully secured bail.
According to the legal notice as the actress exited her car around 11:40 AM and headed toward the courtroom, a scuffle broke out between security personnel and media workers attempting to photograph and film her. The notice alleges that Pori Moni snatched the mobile phone of multimedia reporter Robiul Hossain Raju. Her security personnel broke a video recording tripod. Several journalists including Ashikuzzaman (Jago News), Abdullah Al Kawsar, Siam Hossain (Agamir Shomoy) and Shah Riaz (Times Today) sustained injuries. A litigant named Sujan Chandra Moni suffered a severe head injury that caused heavy bleeding.
Furthermore the notice claims that after leaving the courtroom, Pori Moni confronted Robiul Hossain Raju a multimedia reporter for Samakal who has three missing fingers on his right hand using abusive language and openly threatening to "run over and kill" him.
Alleged Insult to the National Anthem
The notice also highlights a social media controversy. On November 6, Pori Moni reportedly uploaded a Facebook post containing inappropriate remarks, using the national anthem as background music.
The notice cites Article 4(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh which designates the first 10 lines of "Amar Sonar Bangla" as the national anthem alongside penalties outlined under the Bangladesh National Anthem, Flag and Emblem Order (1972) and subsequent 2010 amendments. The legal filing expresses concern that such behavior by a prominent public figure sets a negative example for children and young people.
The legal notice outlines specific demands:
Unconditional Apology: Pori Moni must issue a written apology within seven days for the incidents on the court premises and refrain from controversial behavior.
Artistes' Association Action: The leadership of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association is required to issue a show-cause notice and take necessary disciplinary steps against the actress.
Speaking to the media the lawyer Khandaker Hasan Shahriar stated that further legal steps would depend on how the parties respond. He emphasized that journalists must be able to perform their professional duties safely also noting that legal assistance would be provided if the affected reporter chooses to file an individual case.
Business Times is actively attempting to reach Pori Moni and her representatives for comment.
