The Bangladesh Film Artistes Association goes to the polls today, but beyond the campaign banners, speeches and festive atmosphere at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC), one question dominates this year’s election: where are the country’s biggest film stars?
Once regarded as one of the industry’s most influential organisations, the association now faces growing questions over its relevance. Many established actors no longer become members or take part in its activities, leaving the election largely confined to a familiar circle of candidates.
As artists prepare to elect a new executive committee for the 2026–28 term, the contest has become more than a race for office. It is a test of whether the organisation can regain the confidence of Bangladesh’s mainstream film community.
A total of 573 voters will elect the new committee after a two-year interval. Polling will take place from 9am to 6pm.
As in previous elections, the vote has generated debate, speculation and controversy. Past disputes reached the courts, while allegations of political influence and internal divisions repeatedly overshadowed the organisation’s primary responsibility of representing film artists.
Many now expect the incoming committee to move beyond election politics and focus on artists’ welfare, professional dignity and the wider challenges confronting the country’s struggling film industry.
Two panels are contesting the top posts of president and general secretary. Arman and Rumana Islam Mukti lead the Arman-Mukti Parishad, while Shiba Shanu and Joy Chowdhury head the Shiba Shanu-Joy Chowdhury Parishad.
One of the most talked-about developments before the election came when popular actor Bapparaj withdrew his candidacy for president. Although he was expected to contest from the Arman-Mukti panel and remained present until the nomination process, he withdrew at the last moment.
The Arman-Mukti Parishad has fielded Nuton and Ilias Kobra for the vice-president posts. Rina Khan is contesting for joint general secretary, Chunnu for organising secretary, MA Parvez Chowdhury Abir for international affairs secretary, Rasel Mia for office and publicity secretary, Maruf Aqib for cultural and sports secretary, and Kamruzzaman Kamal for treasurer.
The Shiba Shanu-Joy Chowdhury Parishad has nominated DA Tayeb for vice-president. Tayeb secured the highest number of votes in the previous election. Candidates for executive member posts include Manas Bandopadhyay, Dulari, Raka, Sharmin Akter, Latif (Cheetah), Nasrin, Sushanta, Comedy King Shahin, Badal Shaikh, Arman Khan, Shamim Khan (Chikon Ali) and several others.
Several candidates contesting this year’s election are among artists who were banned around 2007–08 following allegations of involvement in obscene films. Their return to contest key positions has also sparked fresh debate within the industry. According to discussions within film circles, some senior artists may choose to stay away from voting in protest over the participation of such controversial candidates.
Both panels have centred their campaigns on artists’ welfare. Shiba Shanu acknowledged that the industry’s problems cannot be solved overnight, but pledged to work for artists by combining the experience of senior members with the ideas of younger colleagues.
DA Tayeb expressed hope for a peaceful and festive election, while Rasel Mia said the priority should be strengthening the film industry and building a united community of artists rather than simply winning votes.
The election has once again transformed the FDC into a festival ground. Campaign booths line the premises, supporters gather in groups and candidates continue their final canvassing. Even canteen workers say business increases severalfold whenever the association goes to the polls.
Yet the lively atmosphere cannot hide the larger challenge confronting the organisation. Many within the industry believe the association has gradually drifted away from the centre of Bangladesh’s film business. As more established actors remain outside its membership, the organisation risks becoming increasingly disconnected from the very community it was created to represent.
That is why Friday’s election carries significance beyond the announcement of winners. The new committee will inherit an organisation whose greatest challenge may not be defeating its rivals, but rebuilding credibility, restoring unity and convincing the industry’s leading artists that the association still matters.
Whether this election marks the beginning of that renewal—or simply another chapter in a familiar cycle of controversy—will become clear only after the celebrations at FDC come to an end.
