‘He stood with us during July’: Celebrities rally behind Iresh Zaker after murder case filed
Popular actor and cultural activist Iresh Zaker has been named as an accused in a murder case alongside deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and over 400 others. The charges relate to the death of Srabon during last year's July mass uprising — a movement that saw the youth of Bangladesh take to the streets in protest against government oppression.
However, those who know Iresh Zaker and claimed to have witnessed his role during the movement are calling the allegations 'baseless'.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Throughout the July protests, the actor was seen participating in numerous demonstrations, advocating for justice and safety for the youth. His fellow artistes, directors, and colleagues, who marched beside him during those turbulent days, have come forward in strong protest against the accusations now leveled against him.
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."
Silence feels like betrayal: Badhan
Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan shared a deeply personal account of Zaker's integrity and bravery:
"I have reached a point in life where I choose not to react immediately to everything. But sometimes, silence feels like betrayal.
Iresh Zaker has always been on the side of truth. He stood with us, with the students, through every moment of struggle.
On August 4th, when the curfew was announced, we were at Shahbagh together. Despite all the dangers, he made sure I reached Kalsi Flyover safely — taking a huge risk at a time when anything could happen.
That night, the pressure on us to go to Gonobhaban was intense. But Iresh Zaker refused. He made the difficult choice to stand with the students, with the truth, rather than give in to pressure.
Today, watching him being harassed is heartbreaking. It's not new for us — we've seen this happen to people who dared to stand up. But it's still deeply painful and disappointing, especially now, when we believed we were building a better, safer country.
Those who stand for truth deserve protection, not persecution.
We stand with Iresh. We stand with everyone who refuses to give up hope.#StandWithIresh #JusticeForTheBrave #TruthMatters."
Such moves only help the real criminals: Redoan Rony
Chief Executing Officer at Chorki 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.
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."
Funny Coincidence, No?: Rafiath Rashid Mithila
Actress and activist Rafiath Rashid Mithila pointed out the absurdity of the situation:
"First, allegations of corruption, then a murder case over the July incident. Funny coincidence, no? And that too against someone who actively protested the July killings".
She also reminded everyone of Asiatic's legacy.
"Btw... just to remind everyone... It took Asiatic more than 50 years to reach where it is today, not 15.
In the last 15 years, how many Joy Bangla concerts were organized by whom, and who handled how many Mujib Year events — all of that is public knowledge.
If anyone had the ability to build another Asiatic over the next 15 to 50 years, instead of trying to take over an established institution, they wouldn't have to resort to filing false cases and making corruption allegations."
Simply Rubbish: Sakib R Khan
Sakib R Khan, Bangladesh Country Director of OTT platform Hoichoi, didn't mince his words. Sharing the news of the case filed against Zaker, he wrote:
"Utterly disappointing and disgusting. Simply rubbish".
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