Say what you like, question my character — I will still stand with women: Prava

Actress Sadia Jahan Prava has come under criticism on social media after speaking out in support of actress Pori Moni. Many have mocked her by bringing up an old personal video of hers that went viral. Prava has now responded to that criticism.

She said that people's insults or taunts cannot change her principles. She will speak out against the disrespect and harassment of any woman.

In a post shared on social media on Friday night, Prava wrote: "I will stand beside any woman. If needed, I will stand a thousand times. Say whatever you like about me, question my character, call me whatever you wish. Your insults will never change my principles."

Prava believes that even if she does not agree with everything a woman does, no one has the right to disrespect or harass her.

She wrote: "I may not agree with every action of a woman. Her misbehaviour or abusive language does not go with my personality. I do not support her conduct. But that does not give anyone the right to disrespect her, harass her or make her feel unsafe. The judgment of her choices and her character lies between her and the Almighty. There is no room for debate over her dignity."

Prava further made it clear that standing beside a woman does not mean blindly supporting everything she does. Its purpose is to take a stand against disrespect and harassment.

Referring to Pori Moni's allegation, she wrote: "After speaking with people who were present at the scene, I have come to realise that the allegation against the journalist may not have been true. I sincerely empathise with what she had to endure in that situation."

The actress also answered those who have taunted her over an incident from her own past.

In her words: "Those who want to shame me for an incident for which I was never responsible — your accusations do not make me guilty. Your judgment does not define my identity."

In the closing part of her post, Prava wrote that she finds it more acceptable to be insulted for standing beside a woman. She does not want to stay silent in order to be acceptable to people who believe they have the right to decide a woman's dignity.

It is worth noting that Pori Moni came into the spotlight on 5 November after raising a "bad touch" allegation against a journalist at a court premises. Later, in a video message, Prava stood beside Pori Moni and also spoke about an unwanted experience that had happened to her. Many criticised her on social media after that statement. She has now clarified her position in response to that criticism.