Farida Akhtar, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Advisor, sparked controversy with a Facebook post asking people not to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a joke, out of respect for martyrs and injured individuals from July-August events.
- Her post received widespread criticism, mostly “ha ha” reactions.
- Critics accused her of promoting moral policing and fascism, feeling that her request was an attempt to impose moral values and restrict personal freedoms.
- Concerns were raised about inciting violence, with one commenter worrying that Akhtar’s statement might legitimize mob violence against those celebrating Valentine’s Day.
- Akhtar defended her stance, claiming that her request was not a government ban, but a personal appeal to show respect for martyrs and injured individuals.
- She faced backlash for being “anti-love” and “anti-celebration”, with commenters arguing that mourning and celebration can coexist and that Akhtar’s views were overly restrictive.
- Akhtar expressed surprise at the backlash, feeling that people were reacting negatively to a simple request to show respect.
Source: Prothom Alo
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