Writer Taslima Nasreen has weighed in on the uproar over actress Pori Moni’s behaviour at a Dhaka court. In a Facebook post on Friday, 6 November, she argued that society reacts far more harshly when a woman uses abusive language than when a man does.
What Happened at the Dhaka Court
A Dhaka court cancelled Pori Moni’s bail on 4 November and issued an arrest warrant after she failed to appear on the date set for recording testimony. The case was filed by businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmud, who alleges assault, vandalism and intimidation. Her lawyer had sought more time, saying she could not attend because of an allergy-related illness.
Surrender and Bail
Pori Moni surrendered before the Dhaka Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Thursday, 5 November, and was granted bail on a Tk 500 bond. Dhaka Senior Judicial Magistrate Mahfuzur Rahman heard the matter.
The Incident After Bail
As she walked towards her car, she confronted a person who was filming. Reports say she lost her temper, and videos of the scene spread on social media. Her assistants said the man had touched her, while he denied it.
Later reports allege she verbally abused a journalist, snatched a phone, and that her security guards pushed several people. A court visitor was reportedly injured on the head. These remain allegations, and one outlet said it was still trying to get her comment.
Taslima Nasreen’s Facebook Post
On 6 November, Taslima Nasreen wrote that the country was in uproar because Pori Moni had sworn. She said people who hear men use such language without raising an eyebrow are shocked when a woman says the same thing. She asked what it means to say “even a girl uses such dirty words”, and whether a woman must swallow insults and stay sweet. She also asked if the right to swear belongs only to men.
Her Argument on Gender Norms
According to the reports, her main points were:
- Bad qualities, like good ones, are not the property of one gender.
- Male rulers can be brutal, and so can female rulers.
- Men can be cruel and kill, and women can too.
- The idea of women as kind, patient, pure and innocent is a mould made by patriarchy.
- A woman is expected to be a goddess no matter what men do.
“Why Must Women Prove They Are Better?”
She asked why women should have to pass a test of being better people than men just to get equal rights.
Equality and Biology
She wrote that the biological differences between men and women in reproduction cannot justify making one a master and the other a servant. In her view, women and men have equal dignity, yet laws and customs in the state, society and family still place men above women. She added that men often get extra power and freedom simply for being men, even without ability, honesty or humanity.
What Her Post Did Not Address
Her post is about how society judges a woman’s language and behaviour. As far as the reports show, it does not comment on the allegations of assault, phone snatching or injury, which are separate issues for the court and the journalists involved.
The Legal Notice
On Sunday, 8 November, a Supreme Court lawyer sent Pori Moni a legal notice seeking an unconditional written apology within seven days. It alleges misconduct towards journalists, threats and disrespect to the national anthem through a Facebook post. The notice was also sent to the leaders of the Bangladesh Film Artistes Association.
Not the First Time She Has Backed Pori Moni
Taslima Nasreen supported Pori Moni in 2021 during the Boat Club case and again in 2022 after a social media post about her marriage.
Discover More About Pori Moni’s Court Appearance, Personal Life and Recent Activities
1. What happened during Pori Moni’s court appearance involving a Samakal reporter?
Pori Moni reportedly became involved in a tense situation at court involving a Samakal journalist’s mobile phone. The incident attracted attention and sparked discussions about interactions between celebrities and media representatives. Read more about Pori Moni and the court incident involving a Samakal reporter’s phone.
2. What did Pori Moni say about cyber harassment and AI-generated deepfakes?
Pori Moni raised concerns about online harassment and the misuse of artificial intelligence to create fake images and videos. Her comments highlighted the challenges women face in protecting their privacy and reputation online. Read our report on Pori Moni’s live session about cyber harassment and AI deepfakes.
3. Why did Pori Moni attract attention with her Goddess Durga-inspired festive look?
Pori Moni drew attention with a festive appearance inspired by Goddess Durga, combining traditional cultural elements with her personal fashion style. Discover more about Pori Moni’s festive Goddess Durga-inspired look.
4. Why does Pori Moni’s personal life frequently become a topic of discussion in Bangladesh?
Pori Moni’s relationships, marriages, divorces and public statements have frequently attracted media coverage and public attention. Her personal life has become a recurring subject of entertainment discussions and celebrity news. Read more about why Bangladesh remains interested in Pori Moni’s personal life.
5. Where did Pori Moni travel for her recent holiday retreat?
Pori Moni visited Langkawi, Malaysia, for a holiday that offered opportunities to enjoy its beaches, tropical scenery and coastal atmosphere. Explore more about Pori Moni’s Langkawi retreat and her holiday experience.
