Drug scandals roil film industry

Binodon Desk:

High-prolife drug abuse allegations have shaken up the country’s showbiz sector, with claims going as far as to implicate some young-aspiring actresses in drug trade.

The industry’s new generation fears a slew of summons from state investigators against both culpable and harmless suspects, and there are also suspicions that some have used their influence to transfer a key investigating officer.

Khondoker Mostafizur Rahman, director general of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), has told Bangladesh Pratidin that the matter is being thoroughly investigated on a priority basis. Those involved will be brought under the law, and the investigating team will take steps to summon the suspected individuals.

A university student arrested with drugs led investigators to uncover the names of actresses Safa, Toya, Tisha, and singer Sunidhi, allegedly involved in drug use and procurement via a WhatsApp group. The group was administered by Arindam Roy Dip, a former North South University student, who was arrested on 17 October from Dhaka airport. Authorities retrieved evidence from Dip’s smartphone, including chat records showing drug orders.

Later, on 4 December, based on information from Dip, investigators detained three more university students for operating as drug peddlers. DNC Assistant Director Rahul Sen led a drive to arrest the three drug peddlers living in Gulshan and Dhanmondi areas.

Curiously, one of the arrestees is studying in the UK. He also confirmed the involvement of front-row young actors in drug abuse and drug trade.

Further investigations revealed a network involving affluent youths and showbiz figures engaged in drug consumption and trafficking. Several high-profile individuals from the entertainment industry have been implicated. Drugs like MDMA, LSD, and cannabis derivatives are reportedly being smuggled in from countries like Australia, the US, and Thailand, and often sold in Bangladesh through encrypted platforms like WhatsApp under code names.

Most of the actors engaged in drug abuse and trade joined the film and television industry 10 years ago. Many sought to become rich quickly by selling drugs. Though, many of their crimes remained an open secret, law enforcers did not act during the Awami League regime. Authorities are apparently becoming active against the popular actors under the current Yunus-led reformist government, but how far the law can extend its reach remains to be seen.

Actress Toya denied the allegations when contacted, claiming she respects the law and has not been summoned by the Narcotics Control Department. The investigation is ongoing, and legal action will be taken against those involved.