A Bangladeshi script writer is going to return his BACHASAS award in protest of recent attacks on secular writers and activists as well as the government's "silent role" to the concern.
Maruf Barkat, who got the award from Bangladesh Chalachchitra Sangbadik Samity in 2009 for best screenplay of Morshedul Islam’s film Priyatameshu, confirmed it with Dhaka Tribune on Saturday.
He said: “Initially I have made a declaration in this regard through my Facebook post and I will contact with the authorities concerned to know the procedures in returning the award.”
The BACHASAS award is considered as the second highest prestigious film award after the national award.
Such kind of announcement, first of its kind, appears in the country following a spree of returning awards by Indian writers and artists in protest of growing religious intolerance in India.
“I do not know how to return an award. Does it require handing over to the award giving organisation? Or it requires throwing the crest and the certificate to dustbin? Or a mere declaration on Facebook is enough for it? I have gained a BACHASAS award from Bangladesh Chalachchitra Sangbadik Samity as the 2009 best screenplay writer for Morshedul Islam’s film Priyatameshu although I received it last year.
There is no money with it, just a crest and a certificate,” said Maruf on his Facebook status.
“I am returning the award protesting the attacks on writers and artists and the government’s role of 'silence is the indication of approval' to the concern,’ Maruf continued.
“I know, as a simple man, getting the award and the recent move will play no impact on even an ant, let alone the government. However, I have made the announcement of protest to get emancipation from the suffocating situation,” he went on.