Zayed Khan Influenced FDC Election Voters From New York!
Zayed Khan
The election for the Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association has concluded, electing new leaders for the Dhallywood artists’ body. Unlike previous years, however, this year’s polls generated little excitement or controversy.
As discussions continue over the unusually quiet election, one name keeps surfacing: Zayed Khan. Many artists believe the absence of the actor from the local film industry significantly reduced the buzz surrounding the vote. Actress Nipun’s name has also been mentioned, although both have remained distant from the artists’ community following the country’s political changes.
Actor Kayes Arju, who secured the highest number of votes in this year’s election, said the atmosphere would likely have been much livelier had Zayed Khan been involved.
Speaking to Agamir Somoy, Arju said, “This election recorded the highest voter turnout, and we believe it was conducted very successfully. But the overall discussion and excitement were missing. If Zayed Khan had been here, the Film Artists’ Association election would certainly have generated much more attention and debate.”
Joy Chowdhury and Shiba Shanu after the election results were announced.
Reports suggest that although Zayed Khan is currently in the United States, he may have influenced the Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association election from abroad. According to industry insiders, he allegedly reached out to voters from New York in support of the Shiba Shanu–Joy Chowdhury panel.
The speculation first gained traction after actor Omar Sani hinted at it in a Facebook post. He wrote, “The Film Artists’ Association election is on July 3. The person who created division among artists is now a fugitive and living abroad. Identify the people he has built around him. People can make mistakes once or twice—but not repeatedly.”
Omar Sani also campaigned on Facebook in support of the rival panel led by Rumana Islam Mukti. However, Mukti was ultimately defeated in the election.
In the presidential race, Shiba Shanu won with 243 votes, defeating fight director and actor Arman, who received 173 votes.
In the race for general secretary, Joy Chowdhury secured victory with 237 votes, while his rival, Rumana Islam Mukti, received 179 votes.
Zayed Khan threw himself wholeheartedly into campaigning to secure victory for the panel led by Shiba Shanu and Joy Chowdhury. Just a few days before the election, the panel had been trailing significantly. However, after Zayed Khan joined the campaign, the situation began to change.
How Did Zayed Khan Influence the Election?
According to people in the film industry, Zayed Khan remained deeply involved in the Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association election despite being in New York. He reportedly contacted voters individually through phone calls, WhatsApp, and Messenger, reminding them of the support and services he had provided to artists in the past.
Sources said Khan was also able to convince many voters that the Shiba Shanu–Joy Chowdhury panel represented his vision and enjoyed his full backing. As a result, a significant number of voters were reportedly influenced by his endorsement and cast their ballots for the winning panel.
A source familiar with the election told Agamir Somoy that Zayed Khan worked relentlessly to secure victory for the Shiba Shanu–Joy Chowdhury panel. Just days before the election, the panel was considered to be trailing its rivals. However, after Khan became actively involved, its campaign reportedly gained momentum.
The source added that, although it was not openly discussed, the election effectively became another chapter in the long-running rivalry between Zayed Khan and Omar Sani. This time, the source claimed, Zayed Khan emerged victorious while Omar Sani’s preferred candidates were defeated.
Actor Kayes Arju also acknowledged Khan’s role in the campaign.
“Zayed Bhai was always with us like a shadow,” Arju said. “He constantly advised us, and we remained in regular contact with him throughout the campaign.”
Another film industry source attributed Khan’s influence to the goodwill he built over the years by supporting fellow artists. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the source said, junior artists did not go hungry because of Khan’s efforts. He reportedly secured funding from various sources, arranged food deliveries to artists’ homes, and personally visited artists who were infected with the virus or families of those who had died.
According to the source, those efforts earned Khan lasting trust among many artists, making it easier for him to influence voters even while staying overseas.
When contacted by Agamir Somoy, Zayed Khan declined to directly confirm that he had influenced the election from New York.
“I’m not in Bangladesh, and I’m away from my beloved FDC. It pains me to be so far away,”he said. “Since an election is taking place, it’s only natural for me to speak with artists and the candidates. Isn't that normal?”
