Referring to arrestees as 'actor', 'model' in news: Actors’ Equity Bangladesh releases statement

Obhinoy Shilpi Shongho (Actors' Equity Bangladesh) has recently released a statement in regards to the current discussions on the arrests of actor Eka, model and former TV presenter Faria Mahbub Piyasha, and model Mariam Akhter Mou.

Their statement was shared on social media by renowned actors and personalities, including Jaya Ahsan and Rafiath Rashid Mithila.

Through their statement, the organisation has argued about the qualities or achievements which allowed an individual to refer to themselves as actors or models.

"Anyone who appears on a couple of billboard ads or a few TVCs don't hesitate to refer to themselves as actors or models. However, hard work, dedication, and support from unified organisations help shape up an artiste," reads part of their statement.

General Secretary of Actors' Equity Bangladesh, Ahsan Habib Nasim, shared his views with The Daily Star regarding this issue.

"Bangladeshi actors and models are socially respected individuals. Their route to success is  paved with a lot of hard work, dedication, and devotion towards their art form. They are educated and have always actively advocated towards positive social reformation," he said.

"It is up to us to decide if anyone, regardless of their work achievements, should be addressed as 'models' or 'actors', especially when we report negative news on mass platforms," he added.

Shahiduzzaman Selim is currently serving as the president of the organisation, while Azad Abdul Kalam, Tania Ahmed, and Iqbal Babu respectively serve as Vice Presidents.