Gaibandha journalists declare boycott of actress Pori Moni

Journalists in Gaibandha have announced a boycott of actress Pori Moni over allegations of misconduct towards a journalist, vowing not to publish any news about her until she publicly apologises for the incident.

The announcement came at a protest rally organised by local journalists on Sunday (November 8), where media professionals from across the district condemned her alleged behaviour.

The programme was held at around noon on the District Police Lines Road in Gaibandha town. Nearly 50 journalists from local print and electronic media outlets took part.

Speakers at the rally alleged that Pori Moni behaved rudely with Rabiu Islam Raju, a multimedia journalist at the daily Samakal, while he was performing his professional duties on the premises of a Dhaka court on November 5. She was also accused of making baseless allegations against him, verbally abusing him and touching him inappropriately. Journalist leaders said Raju has a physical disability and one of his hands is non-functional.

The speakers said such behaviour towards a journalist carrying out professional responsibilities was unacceptable. They called on members of the media community to remain united in protecting journalists' dignity and professional rights.

The rally announced that journalists in Gaibandha would refrain from publishing any news about Pori Moni until she publicly apologised for the incident. They also warned that their protest would continue until their demands were met, reaffirming their decision to boycott the actress.

Earlier, journalists gathered in front of the Ganau Unnayan Kendra (GUK) Residential Model School and College after a views-exchange programme held at the institution. Local media professionals, including journalist leaders Sheikh Habibur Rahman, Siddiq Alam Dayal and Faruk Hossain, were present at the protest.

Meanwhile, the journalists' protest has also affected Pori Moni's engagements in the entertainment industry. Organisers have removed her from the guest list of the upcoming 'Chattogram Fashion Vanguard Award', scheduled to be held on November 28 at a community centre in the city's Khulshi area.

Khaled Sumon, media coordinator and partner of the event, said the decision to drop the actress from the guest list was taken following protests and requests from journalists. Although an agreement had been reached with her to attend the event before the controversy emerged, the organisers later revised the guest list and released a new poster reflecting the change.

Separately, Pori Moni is facing legal complications in a case filed by businessman Nasir