Dhallywood stars Shakib Khan and Sabila Nur have recently found themselves at the centre of confusion after social media circulated misleading content suggesting their involvement in political campaigns ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections.
A photocard and video featuring Shakib Khan falsely claimed that the actor was seeking votes for Jamaat-e-Islami. The card, carrying the logo of a private television channel, suggested he was campaigning for the party.
The accompanying video showed Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman delivering a speech, with a digitally created figure resembling Shakib Khan standing beside him, along with other figures designed to look like well-known actors. The title and background music presented it as Shakib Khan’s participation in a so-called “viral song of Jamaat”.
Verification has confirmed that both the photocard and the video were entirely fabricated using artificial intelligence technology. A source close to Shakib Khan said he is unaware of the content and has not participated in any political campaign related to the elections.
The actor is currently abroad filming the movie Prince, scheduled for release during Eid. He is expected to take a two-week break after completing the shoot before beginning his next project, Rockstar.
Meanwhile, actress Sabila has also addressed a similar issue. A photocard circulating on social media falsely attributed a comment referencing a political party to her. Posting on her official fan page, she clarified that the content is completely false. “A fake photocard involving me has been circulated. I want to make it clear that if I ever make a statement on any issue, it will only be published through the country’s mainstream media,” she wrote.
The actress expressed concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence, noting that misleading AI-generated images and videos have recently placed many artistes, including herself, in uncomfortable situations. “Perhaps some people create these out of affection or emotion, but they cause confusion and spread false messages, which is not desirable at all,” she added.
Sabila also urged her audience to remain cautious. “My viewers have always been responsible, and I hope they continue to be vigilant against false or misleading content. Please refrain from engaging with such material,” she said.
Professionally, Sabila has recently completed shooting for the film ‘Bonolota Express’, directed by Tanim Noor, in which she stars opposite Sariful Razz.
Sabila is also set to appear alongside Shakib Khan in ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’, marking their second on-screen collaboration following ‘Taandob’, which released during Eid-ul-Azha last year.
