By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net,
Kolkata: A Muslim delegation met with authorities of the Bengali TV channel, who is also the producer of the coming Bengali serial scripted by controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen.
Headed by the president of an umbrella Muslim organization of Kolkata `Milli Ittehad Parishad’ Mr Abdul Aziz met with the Authority of TV Chanel “Aakash Aath” to urge them to broadcast the Bengali serial slated to begin from December 19 at the prime time.
Muslim delegation meeting with management of `Aakash Aath'.
The script of the new serial 'Dusahobas' (Living difficulties) has been written by the controversial Bangladeshi feminist author Taslima Nasreen.
In the meeting, Ashok Surana, proprietor of the channel, as well as his daughter Eshita Surana, who is also the producer, was present.
Muslim delegations have alleged that for cheap publicity and higher TRPs, the channel has hired the controversial Bangladeshi author for the script.
In this delegation team Imam of Baker Hostel Mosque Maulana Niamat Hossain Habibi, Secretary of social organization Amanat Foundation Muhammad Sahalam, activist Kamruddin Malik, Asfaque Ahmed. Journalist and Editor of Muslim led Bengali daily `Kalom’ Mr Ahmed Hassan Imran joined them later.
Muslim delegation team told TCN that Channel Authority of Akash Aath advertised through hoardings at some important points of Kolkata with the provoking information of Taslima’s serial as Upekkhita Taslima abar Kolkatay’ (Neglected Taslima again in Kolkata).
The Muslim delegation made it clear, that the controversial Bangladeshi author has been writing against Islam and Holy Prophet and hence broadcasting any serial based on her script would tantamount to intentionally hurting the sentiments of Muslims.
Pointing that some groups recently celebrated Lajja Divas, after her controversial book Lajja, in Kolkata, the Muslim delegation told TCN that just before the general elections vested interests are trying to disturb the communal harmony in the state.
Aakash Aath has assured the visiting Muslim delegation, in writing, that no dialogue or character would be used in the coming serial hurting the sentiments of any community in particular. They also assured the delegation that they will withdraw the alleged provoking hoardings.
‘Dusohobas’ revolves around an apparently happy middle class family hailing from North Kolkata. However, as the story moves on, it slowly unearths the dysfunctional aspects of an apparently healthy family bondage, exposing the hypocrisies of the society.
The story aims to ‘expose’ the naked truth of today’s society, involving fragile relationships, blasphemy, contradictions, immorality, according to people involved with production.
Muslim groups do not seem to budge, however, and have threatened to take to streets if the broadcast is allowed. They have also written to the Commissioner of Police and has appealed to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to intervene.
Meanwhile, Taslima Nasreen has reacted angrily to the protesters. She tweeted on Tuesday, “Serial not yet telecasted but it already 'hurting their satanic sentiments'.”
A poster of the upcoming TV serial ‘Dusohobas
According to Nasreen, the serial will portray women in strong roles, fighting against oppression and demanding their rights.
In another tweet, she added, “Democracy, women's rights, free speech 'hurt the sentiments of Muslim fanatics'. If you wanna live a civilized life, u've to hurt their thingies.”
In response to a tweet, she also acknowledged, “New promo started. Fanatics trying to harass the channel. The channel promised not to show anything that hurt their weird sentiments.”
“Muslim fanatics asking to ban my serial. Channel's statement: it’s fiction, not facts, Taslima not coming to Kolkata, serial won’t hurt sentiments,” she wrote in yet another tweet.
Related:
Muslim groups opposed to Taslima Nasreen’s script for Bengali serial