The title of the drama Pother Shathike Chine Nio comes from a popular line in Hemanta Mukhopadhyay’s song ‘Bondhu Tomar Pother Shathike Chine Nio’. Directed by Zubayer Ibn Bakor, the drama was released on Banglavision’s YouTube channel on 10 September.
The drama received a strong response from viewers after its release. However, actor Mushfiq R Farhan has faced criticism over the portrayal of a BCS cadre character in the story.
The drama has crossed 5.1 million views within a short time and has received nearly 1,500 comments on YouTube. While many viewers praised it, some raised questions about inconsistencies in the depiction of government jobs and BCS cadre officials.
Farhan plays Moin Khan in the drama. At the beginning of the story, Moin is shown as a financially struggling young man. His relationship with his girlfriend eventually ends because of his financial condition. Later, Moin becomes a BCS cadre and takes charge as an Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).
This portrayal has drawn criticism from some viewers. They claim the drama shows Moin taking charge as a UNO on his first day of joining the service, which they say does not match the actual administrative structure.
The drama also identifies Moin’s position as an “associate magistrate”. Viewers have pointed out that there is no such post in Bangladesh’s government service structure. The use of “Uttara” as an upazila on a nameplate in the drama has also drawn criticism on social media.
Viewers have raised several questions about these inconsistencies. Some have asked whether the necessary research was carried out before making a story centred on a specific profession such as BCS cadres or government administration.
One viewer said several recent dramas have portrayed BCS cadre officials inaccurately and argued that producers should verify such information before making dramas on the subject.
Another viewer criticised the use of “associate magistrate” alongside “executive magistrate” and “judicial magistrate”, questioning whether the relevant information was properly checked before production.
Several other posts and comments raising similar concerns have also appeared on social media. However, neither the director nor the artistes have yet responded to the criticism.
Shahjahan Sourav wrote the story of Pother Sathike Chine Nio. Alongside Mushfiq R Farhan, the drama features Orchita Sporshia, Zainal Jack, Mili Bashar and RK Reza, among others. Salam Jim served as music director.
Earlier, a scene from Anisur Rahman Rajib’s drama Sei Prothom Prem Amar also drew mockery and criticism on social media. In that drama, Farhan Ahmed Jovan’s character was introduced as a BCS foreign affairs cadre. Ayesha Khan also appeared in the drama.
With questions now being raised about the portrayal of BCS cadre characters in consecutive dramas, the issue has become a topic of discussion among viewers.
