Yesterday, actress Nipun had requested a recount for the votes in the position of the Film Artistes Association election's General Secretary post, albeit unsuccessfully. Zayed Khan, who by now has an iron grip over the association, still beat the actress by 13 votes.
Members of the Ilias Kanchan-Nipun panel called for a press conference at the National Press Club today, where they accused BFDC MD Nuzhat Yeasmin and Election Commissioner Pirzada Harun of being biased towards the Misha-Zayed panel.
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"Videos of Zayed Khan handing out money is viral all over the internet," said Nipun, "Yet, BFDC's MD and Election commissioner have taken no action. The rules say that any participant should immediately have to resign after such an incident, and yet they are silent after we repeatedly complained about these ill practices."
Nipun, who has filed a GD at the Banani Police Station, further accused the officials in charge of not letting noted directors, producers and other members of film organisations into the election. 17 film organisations called a strike today, and took a stance outside BFDC to protest against the alleged corruption and bias.
"I request our honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to immediately look into the matter," said the agitated actress. "Please note that whenever I wanted to inform our Prime Minister about these practices, a certain circle of people actively worked against it."
Screenshots, showing conversation between Zayed Khan and a "top level official", were shown at the conference.
The actress also accused Peerzada Harun of misconduct, and that he "asked for two kisses on his cheeks" during the proceedings.
Ilias Kanchan, who has been elected President for 2022-24, did not hesitate to voice out against these malpractices as well. "We all stand in solidarity for Nipun, who is a victim of this corruption," he said. "Pirzada Harun has been missing since all these allegations, even after we tried to reach him multiple times." Kanchan told the media that it should be possible to host another election for just the post of General Secretary, if allegations against Zayed Khan are proven.
Screenshots of Zayed Khan's alleged conversations that 'expose' him, were displayed at the press conference.
Sohanur Rahman Sohan, President of the Board of Film Directors, announced a lifetime ban on Peerzada Harun from films and dramas on behalf of 17 film organizations.
