With just a day left before polling, election campaigning has intensified across the country. Alongside political figures, several familiar faces from the entertainment industry have been actively visible on the campaign trail.
Singers Monir Khan and Robi Chowdhury, actress Rina Khan and a number of other artists have been seen canvassing in support of the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol in different constituencies.
The presence of actress Shimla in these campaigns, however, has surprised many. Ahead of the national election held in January 2024, she had publicly sought nomination from the Awami League. At the time, she visited the party’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue to collect a nomination form for the boat symbol from the Jhenaidah-1 constituency.
In media interactions, then, Shimla described herself as a “child of an Awami League family” and spoke of her wish to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She ultimately did not receive the party nomination.
This time, Shimla has been seen campaigning for the BNP-backed paddy sheaf. In videos circulating on social media and online news platforms, she appears seeking votes in the Dhaka-17 constituency on Monday afternoon. She was joined by Monir Khan, Robi Chowdhury, Rina Khan and actor Shahed Sharif.
Speaking briefly to the media during the campaign, Shimla said, “I am Shimla, seeking votes for the paddy sheaf. I have spoken to many people and they have agreed to vote for the paddy sheaf. Please do not discuss me in detail. I have a lot to say and I will speak after the 12th.”
Her apparent change in political alignment has triggered widespread discussion and trolling on social media. Attempts to contact her for further comment were unsuccessful, as her mobile phone was found to be switched off.
Shimla has not been active in films for some time and has appeared intermittently in political circles in recent years. Her re-emergence in the election campaign under a different symbol has once again placed her at the centre of public debate.
