Clash arises between two associations over Chamak issue

A controversial dispute has sparked between Actors Equity Bangladesh and the Directors' Guild of Bangladesh, following a disagreement regarding the three-month ban imposed on actress Rukaiya Jahan Chamak. 

Now, both associations have turned to the Federation of Television Professionals Organisation (FTPO), seeking a resolution.

The conflict centres on the measures taken against Chamak following the substantiated allegations of mistreatment against her on a film set. After weeks of interviews and deliberations, on August 13, Actors Equity Bangladesh made a decision about this issue in a special meeting, attended by people from Telepab and the Directors' Guild.

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However, the Directors Guild remained dissatisfied with the measures, and consequently, on August 21, the association imposed a three-month ban on Chamak, effective from September 1.

According to the written statement of the Directors' Guild, Chamak will not be able to work with any producers for the next three months following the substantiated allegations against her. She is also restricted from engaging in any work in television and digital media during this period.

In a press release issued today, Actors Equity Bangladesh representatives voiced their stance on this matter. They expressed their disagreement with the Directors' Guild's decision.

"We are surprised and deeply saddened by the Directors' Guild's decision. This is not what we expected from an organisation we have known for a long time," the statement read.

The statement further raised questions about the Directors' Guild's authority to impose a ban on an actor.

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"If they intended to advise their members not to collaborate with Chamak, they could have done so within the bounds of their organisation. Was a press conference necessary for this purpose? It's a common practice that a professional organisation cannot penalise or take action against individuals from other fields, beyond their membership."

The organisation further emphasised, "The decision undertaken by the Directors Guild in relation to Chamak is a matter of their personal discretion. It holds no connection with our organisation, and our decision does not impose any restrictions on the actress."

At present, the Actors' Guild seeks a resolution through FTPO. A meeting addressing this matter is scheduled for September 1, where actors hope to find an amicable solution.