Actor-turned-director Deepak Suman, known widely in cultural circles and for his support of the recent mass uprising, faced a violent incident at his home in Parbatipur of Dinajpur following the government's fall.
According to Suman, around 50 people assaulted him during a dispute last Wednesday (October 30) over the installation of parking tiles near his house. Present at the scene was newly elected municipal councilor Jahangir Alam.
On social media, Suman recounted the experience, stating, "Last Wednesday night, a gang of about 50 people came to my home in Parbatipur and physically attacked me. When I attempted to record the incident, they took my phone. They beat me when I asked for it back. My mother was also struck when she tried to intervene."
Suman claimed the attack was led by a local BNP leader, allegedly spurred by a former teacher, and included a female BNP leader who reportedly hurled verbal abuse at his mother. "When I tried to film, she said, 'Take the phone away, or these Hindus will spin this as minority persecution.' At that point, they all attacked me," Suman said.
Asked about the conflict, Suman explained, "They have wanted to take our house for a long time. My father refused to sell it, creating a longstanding issue. Recently, placing parking tiles near the street sparked new tension. The newly appointed BNP ward councilor has been issuing threats, trying to intimidate us into submission."
Local authorities have responded promptly. "Dinajpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police and the local OC have assured me of their support," Suman said. However, he’s also received calls from political affiliates, some of whom collaborated with the previous government. Suman stressed, "As a minority, I faced harassment, but I don’t wish to portray this as communal. I am committed to a cultural movement, not political divisiveness."
Former councilor Jahangir Alam denied any assault, stating, "There was only an argument over placing tiles on the road for Sumon’s car access. His father was my teacher, and we respect the family, but Suman’s reaction was surprising."
Suman’s stance remains firm: he aims to avoid making this a communal issue despite the tense situation, committed instead to his cultural work and the broader struggle for equality.