All eyes on flood victims: Filmmakers, actors, musicians call for unity and rescue actions

The current flood situation in Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, and Moulvibazar, have raised significant concerns among netizens across the nation, including celebrities from the country’s entertainment industry.

Several prominent cultural personalities have shared useful information, thoughts and prayers for those hit hardest, while some of them joined rescue missions in person or have started sending resources through their teams.

Popular filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki wrote on his Facebook: “Let’s think that we are at war; what would we do? We all would have jumped together. Then let's do it again. Brothers and sisters of the Navy, Army and Air Force, let's step up. Rescue boat, cargo aircraft--whatever is there, let’s speed up the rescue mission.”

“From what I’ve heard, people need rescue boats at this moment. Rescuing millions of people is a Herculean task, but let’s do it,” Farooki added, while concluding with “No one can break us.”

As social media is also being flooded with multiple narratives from netizens, music director Prince Mahmud requested not to share fake news or old photos. “Feni itself has more volunteers against requirements. Only, rescue/safety equipment, motorized boats and food are required. Don’t go all together now to rescue, especially those who don’t know how to swim because it will be counterproductive. A lot of volunteers will be needed for various renovation work and health services after the water recedes, so be prepared.”

Renowned filmmaker Amitabh Reza Chowdhury wrote, “Bangladesh has never seen a flood like this. Stand up instead of telling others to stand up. Don’t panic, organize. Help the government bodies.”

Young singer-social worker Tasrif Khan, known for his previous attempts to actively rescue flood victims in Sylhet, has once again geared up and is currently travelling to Feni from Lakshmipur with influencer Mashrur Enan, popularly known as “Keto Bhai,” with two speedboats to rescue the flood victims. Both of them posted on Facebook that they are willing to work in several shifts from noon to night, in liaison with the army and navy.

“Mohanagar” series-famed director Ashfaque Nipun wrote, “Whatever we have, we all should utilize them to rescue children and thousands more from the flood-hit Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Khagrachhari. May Allah help all these people.”

Television actor-model Irfan Sajjad posted on his Facebook, asking, “Are there any skilled rescue teams who can rescue the flood victims by helicopter? I want to provide all sorts of support including renting helicopter.”

Several other celebrities from the entertainment industry, including actors Shabnoor, Aupee Karim, Pori Moni, Safa Kabir, Sabila Nur, Mahiya Mahi, Q Nawshaba Ahmed, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Azmeri Haque Badhon, Tanven Sweety, Rafiath Rashid Mithila, Zahara Mitu, Chanchal Chowdhury, Ziaul Faruq Apurba, Yash Rohan, Khairul Basar; social media influencer Salman Muqtadir; writer Sadat Hossain; lyricist Latiful Islam Shibli; cartoonist Morshed Mishu; directors Raihan Rafi, Shihab Shaheen, Redoan Rony; bands and musicians and many others have posted and shared valuable information on their social media.

Besides, several groups including the Visual Artistes' Society, Get Up and Stand Up (Bangladesh Musical Artists' Society) and others have shared bKash and Nagad numbers where netizens can donate money for the flood victims.

Source: UNB