In a written statement its central committee members said the government decision to arrest Sheikh Hasina has raised eyebrows among people. Hasina didn't get due respect, the statement added.

The artistes are 'agitated and worried' at the arrest of Hasina, read the statement.

Signatories to the statement include Awami Shilpi Goshthi President Salahuddin Badal and General Secretary Shibu Roy, actor Jamaluddin Hossain, poet Kazi Abu Jafar Siddiqui, poet Rabindra Gope, singer Kanan Bala Sarkar, engineer Safat Khaiyum, poet Aslam Sani, singer Moloy Kumar Ganguli and many others.