The State Dialogue Forum, or SDF, has called for organizational action against people in Bangladesh’s film and cultural sectors accused of supporting mass killings and repressive actions against students and the public during the 2024 uprising. On July 28, the organization submitted a memorandum to the president of the Bangladesh Film Artists Association. The memorandum was delivered by SDF central member secretary A N M Ayas.

SDF said art and culture are powerful means of promoting justice, human values and democratic consciousness. It called for an impartial investigation to determine responsibility of artists, filmmakers, producers and others accused of supporting human rights violations, violence or mass killings. The memorandum named various actors, actresses, filmmakers, producers, cultural figures and related individuals and sought investigations into the allegations.

If allegations are proven, SDF urged organizational bans at the Artists Association and Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, alongside necessary legal action. It also demanded an investigation committee, permanent policies to prevent artists’ involvement in human rights violations, violence and activities contrary to democratic values, and a clear, effective stance by the Artists Association on human rights, professional ethics and cultural responsibility. SDF said fair, impartial and lawful investigations are consistent with democracy and the rule of law.