New Delhi: Bangladesh is currently engulfed in protests and violence that began last month after students demonstrated against the controversial quota system that reserves 30 percent of government jobs for families of veterans who fought in the 1971 Liberation War. The protesters demanded the quota system be scrapped.The protests quickly escalated into a broader campaign seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years and recently won a fourth consecutive term in January. The violence forced her to resign and flee the country. Amid the chaos, Bollywood celebrities Hansal Mehta, Kangana Ranaut, Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, and Anupam Kher have shared their thoughts on the situation in the neighboring country.Hansal Mehta Speaks OutIn a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Scam 1992 fame director Hansal Mehta criticized Sheikh Hasinas authoritarian rule. He recalled the banning of his movie Faraaz in Bangladesh, which faced an 18-month delay due to pressure and threats from officials, litigation, and the need for police protection due to perceived threats. Mehta stated that the government aimed to suppress the film for its negative portrayal of them, attempting to cover up their authoritarian rule and prevent criticism.Seeing the events unfold in Bangladesh reminds me of the Faraaz release saga. It is streaming globally on Netflix except in Bangladesh where it has been banned.The release of Faraaz based on the Holey Artisan Bakery, Dhaka attack of 2016 was sought to be stalled for nearly… pic.twitter.com/dQIP9pF9P1— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) August 5, 2024Kangana Ranauts PerspectiveKangana Ranaut expressed her feelings on X, saying she felt honored and flattered that the honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh feels safe in Bharat. She also opined, No one is safe in Muslim countries, not even Muslims themselves.Bharat is the original motherland of all Islamic Republics around us. We are honoured and flattered that honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh feels safe in Bharat but all those who live in India and keep asking why Hindu Rashtra Why Ram Rajya Well it is evident why!!!No… https://t.co/wMqlpBquUo— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 5, 2024Sonam Kapoors ConcernSonam Kapoor shared a post highlighting that 66 people died in a single day during the protests in Bangladesh. She wrote, This is terrible. Let us all pray for the people of Bangladesh.Shabana Azmis SolidarityVeteran actress Shabana Azmi also took to social media to express her concern. She posted, The violence in Bangladesh is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected. We must stand together in these times of crisis.Anupam Khers comments Actor Anupam Kher tweeted, Its tragic to see such unrest in Bangladesh. The people deserve peace and stability. Prayers for the safety and well-being of everyone there.Indias ResponseMeanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed an all-party meeting on August 6 that India has offered support to former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in the country on the evening of August 5. It is reported that she has been given time to determine her next steps. During a briefing with political party leaders at Parliament House, Jaishankar stated that India is in contact with the Bangladesh Army to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Indian students in the country.
