Dhaka, August 1- In defiance of police obstacles and inclement weather, members of the visual media community—including film, photography, theater, and mass media artists—gathered to support the ongoing quota reform movement and protest against the recent violence and mass arrests. The event, initially planned for Thursday morning in front of the Jatiya Sangsad at Manik Mia Avenue, was relocated to Farmgate due to police restrictions.

Braving the rain, the artists assembled near Anand Cinema Hall, brandishing banners and posters. They demanded an end to murder, violence, mass arrests, and harassment, chanting slogans such as "Prosecute all murders," "Stop murder-violence-mass arrest-harassment," and "We want a fearless-just-human dignity Bangladesh." The peaceful protest saw a significant turnout, including ordinary citizens, with artists performing mass songs and delivering speeches.

Despite a heavy police presence, the rally proceeded without further interruptions. Prominent figures, including Mamunur Rashid, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, Noor Safa Julhaj, Akram Khan, Ajmeri Haque Bandhan, Piplu R Khan, Ritu Sattar, Amreen Musa, Ashfaq Nipun, Siam Ahmed, and Sukarna Shahed, expressed their solidarity with the student movement. Due to the rain, speeches were shortened, but the message of support was clear.

The artists criticized the government's harsh response to the students' demands, asserting that such repression has no place in a democratic and civilized society. They emphasized that the values of justice, equality, and human dignity, which underpin Bangladesh's constitution and were fought for during the liberation war, must be upheld.

The gathering featured notable personalities from the entertainment and media sectors, including actors Musharraf Karim, Rafiyat Rashid Mithila, filmmaker Nurul Alam Atiq, journalist and writer Noor Safa Zulhaj, Matia Banu Shuku, Redwan Roni, Tanim Noor, Nuhash Humayun, Syed Ahmed Shawqi, Adnan Al Rajeev, Shankh Das Gupta, actor Eresh Zaker, Siam Ahmed, Nazia Haque Arsha, Zakia Bari Mam, Mustafa Monwar, Dipu Imam, Sabila Noor, and Shamol Mawla.

The rally underscored a broad-based call for justice and accountability in the wake of recent violent events, demonstrating a united front among the artistic community in defense of fundamental human rights and democratic principles.