April 16, 2024

The YouTube drama Rupantor, directed by Rafat Majumdar Rinku, was removed less than 24 hours after its release, following a wave of social media outrage spearheaded by hardline Islamist voices condemning its transgender storyline. Corporate sponsor Walton quickly cancelled its contract and issued a legal notice to the advertising agency and production house, citing breach of agreement.

The drama, produced by Ekanna Media and sponsored through Local Bus Entertainment, premiered on April 15. Within hours, coordinated online campaigns accused it of promoting “immoral” ideas, prompting pressure on Walton to distance itself from the project. Analysts say such religiously driven mobilisation has become an effective tool for forcing companies to censor or withdraw works depicting gender diversity in a positive or realistic light. 

Walton’s legal notice claimed the production violated contract terms that prohibited content “contrary to the laws, principles, morality, and religious sentiments of the country.” The company alleged the ad agency released the drama without prior review, and announced the termination of all related agreements.

Director Rinku rejected the allegations, insisting that Rupantor is rooted in medical science and human reality. The plot follows a successful painter who, after avoiding romance for years, reveals to a prospective bride—through a doctor—that he has a rare hormonal condition, causing his outward appearance to be male despite a different biological reality. “It is natural, it has a scientific basis, and is recognised by medical science,” Rinku said. “I have tried to tell a new story. Why can’t we go beyond conventional ideas?”

Rinku reported receiving threats and harassment through phone calls and online platforms since the backlash began. Lead actor Farhan Ahmed Jovan, who starred opposite Samira Khan Mahi, said he found nothing unlawful or offensive in the script, but confirmed being subjected to verbal abuse.

Human rights advocate Dr. Snigdha Rezwana condemned the pre-emptive removal, stressing that gender variance after birth is scientifically recognised, yet remains widely misunderstood. She argued that most critics “did not even watch the play” and called on the Ministry of Social Welfare to address misinformation. Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Ishrat Hasan urged those claiming offence to seek judicial remedy instead of enforcing censorship via social pressure.

Walton’s lawyer, Md. Raisul Islam Riyad, stated that the decision was based on “public perception” and a breach of contractual terms, not hostility toward transgender people, noting that Walton employs several trans individuals. Critics argue, however, that the company yielded to extremist pressure rather than defending creative freedom.

The removal of Rupantor has reignited debate over artistic freedom, corporate responsibility, and whether Bangladesh’s media landscape can move beyond intolerance toward gender diversity.

References:

1. DW Bangla — “অনুভূতিতে আঘাতের কথা বললেই নাটক প্রত্যাহার”

2. NewsBangla24 — “রূপান্তর ইস্যুতে বিজ্ঞাপনী প্রতিষ্ঠানে আইনগত নোটিশ ও চুক্তি বাতিল”

3. Ajker Patrika — “‘রূপান্তর’ বিতর্ক: নির্মাতা, অভিনেতা ও স্পনসর প্রতিষ্ঠানের বক্তব্য”

4. RajTimes24 — “রূপান্তর ইস্যুতে বিজ্ঞাপনী সংস্থার সাথে চুক্তি বাতিল করেছে ওয়ালটন”

5. Khaborer Kagoj — “ওয়ালটনের নীতিমালা পরিপন্থী নাটক প্রচার করায় বিজ্ঞাপনী সংস্থাকে নোটিশ”