A Supreme Court lawyer has served a legal notice on Bangladeshi actress Pori Moni, demanding an unconditional public apology over allegations of harassing journalists at a Dhaka court and using the national anthem in an allegedly obscene social media post.
Actress Pori Moni, whose real name is Shamsunnahar Smrity, has been served a legal notice following a controversial incident at the Dhaka Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on November 5, 2026.
The notice, sent by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Khundaker Hasan Shahriyar on Sunday, November 8, demands that the actress issue a written, unconditional apology within seven days over her alleged conduct towards journalists covering her court appearance.
Copies of the legal notice were also sent to the president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association, asking the organisation to take disciplinary action against the actress.
According to the notice, the controversy began when Pori Moni appeared before the court on November 5 in a case filed by businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmud. She surrendered before the court and secured bail after an arrest warrant had previously been issued against her.
Allegations of assault and harassment at court
The legal notice states that around 11:40am, when Pori Moni got out of her vehicle and headed towards the courtroom, journalists attempted to photograph and record videos of her. A confrontation subsequently broke out between the journalists and members of her personal security team. The notice alleges that Pori Moni snatched the mobile phone of Samakal multimedia reporter Robiul Hossain Raju, while members of her security team damaged the tripod he was using to record footage. Several journalists reportedly sustained injuries during the incident. They included Jago News reporters Ashikuzzaman and Abdullah Al Kawsar, Agamir Shomoy reporter Siam Hossain and Times Today journalist Shah Riaz.
A court visitor named Sujan Chandra Moni Das was also injured, sustaining a head wound that caused bleeding. The notice further alleges that after leaving the court, Pori Moni approached Robiul Hossain, verbally abused him and threatened to kill him. It specifically highlights the reporter's physical disability, noting that he has three missing fingers on his right hand. The lawyer argued that such alleged behaviour towards a journalist undermines professional dignity and threatens the environment necessary for independent journalism.
Controversy over national anthem
Apart from the court incident, the legal notice raises another allegation concerning a Facebook post published on Pori Moni's verified account on November 6. According to the notice, the actress used Bangladesh's national anthem, 'Amar Sonar Bangla', as background music in a post containing allegedly obscene remarks. The lawyer questioned the appropriateness of using the country's national anthem in such content and argued that the matter warranted serious consideration. The notice refers to the constitutional recognition of the national anthem and relevant legal provisions governing its use and protection.
Film Artistes' Association asked to take action
The legal notice does not target Pori Moni alone. It also calls on the president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association to take organisational action. The association has been asked to issue a show-cause notice to the actress and take appropriate disciplinary measures within seven days of receiving the notice.
The lawyer also urged Pori Moni to refrain from using obscene language, making threats, displaying offensive gestures and engaging in inappropriate performances or activities through films, videos or other media. The notice argues that prominent entertainers have an influence on younger audiences and should exercise responsibility in their public conduct. It warns that further legal action could be pursued if the demands are not met within the stipulated period.
Legal consequences remain uncertain
The legal notice represents a formal demand for an apology and organisational action. However, it does not itself establish that the actress is guilty of the allegations. As of November 9, no response from Pori Moni addressing the legal notice had been confirmed in the reports cited.
The latest development adds another chapter to the controversy surrounding the actress's November 5 court appearance, placing her conduct towards journalists and the alleged use of the national anthem at the centre of public discussion.
