Never did politics, don’t even understand it: Apu Biswas

Actress Apu Biswas told a Dhaka court today (13 July) that she was never engaged in politics, nor does she understand it. 

Her statement came in response to the prosecution's claims. Opposing her bail application, Additional Public Prosecutor Shamsuzzaman Sumon alleged that Biswas acted as a financier for the Awami League, stood as a candidate in the last election, campaigned actively, and supported "fascist" Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "There is no scope for bail in this case," he said, urging the court to remand her in custody. 

In response she claimed, "I am an actress. I had to go wherever my work took me. I only acted as a spokesperson through my performances — that is my job. I am still an actress."

Earlier in the hearing, Biswas's lawyers — Md Mozzaffar Hossain (Ziku), Abul Bashar Kamrul, and others — pleaded for her release. They informed the court that she had been granted six weeks' bail by the High Court on 2 June and had now voluntarily surrendered after the bail period expired.

The defence also pointed out that Biswas's name was not mentioned in the original chargesheet. The complainant later admitted to errors in a sworn affidavit. While she was labelled as a financier of the Awami League, no specific allegations were made against her. They further noted that co-accused actress Nusrat Faria had already been granted bail in the same case.

During the proceedings, several lawyers made disparaging remarks towards Biswas. In response, she stood silently with her head bowed. She later told the court, "I have a small child," prompting more heckling, with lawyers accusing her of trying to emotionally influence the court.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman granted her bail on a bond of Tk10,000. At 1:05pm, she was escorted from the courtroom under tight security provided by female police officers.

Biswas had earlier appeared in court on 10 July to submit her bail bond.

The case stems from an incident on 19 July, 2024 during the anti-discrimination movement, when shots were fired at protesters outside Bhatara Police Station, injuring Enamul Haque. He later filed a case against 283 individuals, including former PM Sheikh Hasina. 

Biswas is listed as the 208th accused.

A total of 17 actors and actresses, including Apu Biswas, Nusrat Faria, Asna Habib Bhabna, and Zayed Khan, have been charged, accused of financially supporting the Awami League's stance against the movement.