“She left the airport of her own accord.”
Bangladeshi actress Nipun Akter was reportedly prevented from boarding a London-bound flight at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet on January 10, 2025.
Immigration officials, acting on directives from intelligence agencies, prevented her from boarding the Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-201.
Officer-in-charge Mostafa Nur-e-Bahar confirmed the incident, stating:
“She left the airport of her own accord.”
An intelligence official disclosed that Nipun’s passport was flagged.
This was due to objections from the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and other agencies.
While she was not detained or arrested, her travel was restricted, and she was later sent home.
The reasons for the travel ban were not immediately disclosed, but Nipun’s recent political affiliations have fuelled speculation.
A close associate of the Awami League, she faced criticism after the government’s fall on August 5, 2024.
This was particularly due to her ties to Sheikh Hasina’s cousin, Sheikh Selim.
Nipun Akter had previously shown interest in joining politics.
She also collected a nomination form to contest a reserved women’s seat in the 12th National Parliament, intending to represent the Chittagong region.
Since the government’s collapse, Nipun has maintained a low profile, raising questions about her future political ambitions.
Speaking to the media, she denied the reports of her detainment, calling them baseless.
She claimed she had not attempted to leave the country and was at her Banani residence during the alleged incident.
Nipun said:
“There’s no reason for me to face such action as I’ve committed no crime.”
Despite her denial, photos of the actress at the airport are circulating online.
This is not the first time the news of restrictions on political figures has come to light.
In November 2024, actress and former MP Suborna Mustafa was similarly barred from leaving the country.
Suborna, accompanied by her husband, was preparing to travel to Bangkok for medical treatment when immigration officers intervened.
Despite completing check-in and immigration formalities, she was informed that her travel was restricted due to NSI surveillance.
The incident caused significant embarrassment for the couple, who maintained that the trip was solely for medical purposes.
Suborna, a prominent Awami League figure who served as an MP from 2019 to 2024, faced scrutiny for her political ties.
The chief of the Special Branch confirmed the restriction.
He said: “Immigration authorities halted her as she was listed as a collaborator of Sheikh Hasina.”
Both cases highlight the growing travel restrictions on individuals linked to political activities.
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