Actress Pori Moni, whose real name is Shamsunnahar Smrity, has received a legal notice demanding an unconditional apology over allegations of harassing journalists and disrespecting Bangladesh’s national anthem. Copies of the notice have also been sent to the president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association, calling on them to take disciplinary action against the actress.
Supreme Court lawyer Hasan Shahriar issued the notice on Sunday, 8 November 2026. It asks Pori Moni to submit a written, unconditional apology within seven days over an incident that allegedly took place on the court premises earlier this month.
The notice also urges the actress to refrain from using obscene language, issuing threats, making offensive gestures or engaging in indecent performances through films, videos or any other medium. It specifically objects to vulgar dancing and singing that, according to the notice, have no artistic or educational value.
The lawyer has also called on the association’s president and general secretary to issue a show-cause notice to Pori Moni and take appropriate disciplinary measures within seven days of receiving the legal notice. Failure to do so, it warns, could lead to further legal action.
The allegations relate to an incident on 5 November 2026, when Pori Moni appeared before a court and secured bail in a case filed by businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmud. According to the legal notice, she surrendered before the court in connection with the case.
The notice states that at around 11.40am, as the actress stepped out of her vehicle and headed towards the courtroom, journalists attempted to take photographs and record video footage. A confrontation allegedly broke out between the journalists and members of her security team.
During the incident, Pori Moni allegedly took the mobile phone of Robiul Hossain, a multimedia reporter for the daily Samakal. Members of her security team were also accused of damaging his video tripod.
Several journalists reportedly sustained injuries during the altercation. They included Ashikuzzaman, a reporter for Jago News; multimedia reporter Abdullah Al Kawsar; Siam Hossain, a reporter for Agamir Shomoy; and Shah Riaz of Times Today.
The notice also refers to reports that a court visitor named Sujan Chandra Moni Das suffered a head injury and began bleeding during the incident.
Questioning the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, the lawyer argued that ensuring the safety of everyone on court premises is the responsibility of the state and the relevant authorities. The notice further states that no individual has the legal authority to use a large private security team to display physical power or attempt to control the environment of a court.
It also makes a separate allegation concerning an incident after Pori Moni left the court. According to the notice, she approached Robiul Hossain, whose right hand is congenitally underdeveloped, shorter than his left hand and missing three fingers.
The actress allegedly confronted the reporter, saying, “Come here. Why did you hold my hand like that?” She is also accused of verbally abusing him and threatening to kill him by saying, “I will crush you to death.” The notice states that footage of the confrontation was subsequently broadcast by news outlets.
Describing the alleged conduct as a serious concern, the lawyer said such behaviour towards a professional journalist undermines not only individual professional dignity but also the principles of independent journalism and the working environment of the media. The notice argues that such conduct is particularly inappropriate for a prominent film actress.
The legal notice also raises a separate allegation concerning Pori Moni’s verified Facebook page. It claims that on 6 November 2026, she published an obscene post using Bangladesh’s national anthem as background music.
The national anthem holds constitutional and cultural significance in Bangladesh, making its use in public content a potentially sensitive issue. The allegation has added another dimension to the controversy surrounding the actress.
Reports of the incidents have prompted criticism and discussion on social media, with a section of users expressing disapproval of the alleged behaviour. The controversy has also brought renewed attention to the relationship between public figures and journalists, particularly the need to respect media professionals while they carry out their reporting duties.
The legal notice sets a seven-day deadline for an apology and calls for disciplinary proceedings by the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association. It warns that further legal measures may follow if the demands are not addressed within the stipulated period.
The allegations and demands outlined in the notice have yet to be established through a court ruling. The original report does not mention any formal response from Pori Moni or her representatives regarding the accusations.
