News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/8th August 2024
In a tragic turn of events amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, actor Shanto Khan and his father, Selim Khan, have been brutally killed by a mob. The incident occurred on Monday when the father-son duo found themselves in the midst of escalating violence in the Forkkabad Bazaar area of Balia Union Parishad. Reports indicate that while attempting to escape the violence, they were attacked by an enraged crowd. Despite their attempts to defend themselves by firing shots from a pistol, they were eventually overwhelmed and beaten to death by another mob near Bagara Bazaar.
The violence that led to their deaths is part of a broader wave of unrest that has gripped Bangladesh. On the same day, protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intensified, leading to her fleeing the country. The demonstrations initially sparked by grievances over job reservations rapidly evolved into calls for Hasina’s removal, targeting members of her party, the Awami League. Selim Khan, a prominent figure in the local political scene, was an expelled leader of the Awami League and had faced legal troubles, including charges related to corruption and a case by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
The brutal killing of Shanto Khan and his father has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, where both were well-known figures. Filmmaker Sudipto Sen expressed deep sorrow and condemnation, emphasizing the severity of the incident and calling for strong protests against the new Bangladeshi regime. Sen’s reaction was echoed by many in the industry who were deeply disturbed by the news. He described the killing as “horrendous” and “unbelievable,” highlighting the brutality of the mob violence.
Shanto Khan, who made his film debut in 2019 with the movie “Prem Chor,” had been building a promising career. His subsequent roles in “Bikkhov” (2022) and “Bubujaan” (2023) had earned him recognition in the Bengali film industry. His father, Selim Khan, was a notable producer and owner of Shapla Media, a Dhaka-based company involved in the production and distribution of Bengali films.
The news of their deaths has deeply impacted their colleagues and friends in the film industry. Indian actor Rajatava Dutta expressed his shock and sadness, reflecting on the harsh reality faced by artists who thrive on creativity and peace. Similarly, actress Kaushani Mukhopadhyay, who starred alongside Shanto in “Piya Re,” expressed her distress over the incident. She recalled Shanto’s respect and ambition and expressed hope for the restoration of peace in the region.
The killings of Shanto Khan and Selim Khan underscore the extreme volatility of the current situation in Bangladesh and have drawn international attention to the ongoing unrest. As the country grapples with political turmoil and violence, the tragic deaths of these figures highlight the urgent need for stability and resolution.
