Controversy is brewing ahead of the Bangladesh Film Artiste Association (BFAA) election scheduled for 3 July, with leaked audio clips, the “Mujib Coat” debate, and past political affiliations dominating the campaign.
Actor Joy Chowdhury, running for general secretary, has found himself at the centre of a storm after two audio clips went viral. In one, he is heard discussing “quotas” for female MPs. In another, he allegedly lobbies to bring 200,000 euros to Bangladesh via hundi from Italy.
Joy has admitted the voice is his but claimed the context was misrepresented. “I just made a recommendation during a meeting with Gulshan-Banani businessmen. No financial transaction took place,” he said, challenging critics to check his bank account.
He alleged that rivals leaked the audio to harm his election campaign.
The ‘Mujib Coat’ controversy
Actor Saif Khan openly attacked Joy, saying, “Everyone knows he wore the Mujib Coat and took advantage all this time. Now he’s trying to act like a saint after changing sides, and it’s not working at all!”
Joy later defended himself, saying, “I attended programmes because the chairman of Rongdhonu Group and former Gazipur mayor donated to the association. And as a leader of the association, I had to attend government programmes. Does that mean I’m Awami League? I support BNP – that was published in newspapers at the time.”
Allegations have surfaced that the fugitive Zayed Khan is pulling the strings and funding the panel. The panel includes actors Aliraj, Rozina, Shirin Shila, and Hasan Jahangir – all seen in photos wearing the “Mujib Coat” -along with Asif Noor, a member of Awami League’s Information and Research Sub-committee.
Vice-president candidate DA Tayeb has also been targeted. Director Monjurul Islam Megh shared a photo of Tayeb with ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, writing, “I wonder how much development he achieved by serving Sheikh Hasina for the last 17 years? DA Tayeb has advanced personally, but the film industry has suffered!”
Actress Shirin Shila, also on the panel, has faced backlash for her July 2024 social media post – “Why all this movement? Let’s live in peace!” – during the student protests. She never publicly apologised.
Old rumours of her “closeness” to casino kingpin Arman and former IGP Benazir Ahmed have also resurfaced.
The election has become one of the most talked-about contests in Dhallywood. The industry now waits to see who will emerge victorious on 3 July.
