Ilias-Nipun panel questions integrity of election officials

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 yesterday, where they accused BFDC MD Nuzhat Yeasmin and Election Commissioner Pirzada Harun of being biased towards the Misha-Zayed panel.

"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 in 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 yesterday, 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.

The actress also accused Pirzada 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. "Peerzada 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.

Soon after the press conference, Zayed Khan told the press that all the allegations were made up. "There has been no corruption, I won fair and square. I respect Ilias Kanchan a lot, and I urge him to come and work with me, instead of siding with these baseless allegations," said Zayed. "I will even work alongside Nipun, I have no qualms."

Pirzada Harun, when contacted by The Daily Star, also denied the allegations. "Why would Nipun say this? Is it even possible to talk like that in public? Please tell her not to slander me like this," he maintained.

FDC's MD Nuzhat Yeasmin also maintained that the allegations had no solid ground, that Nipun's complaints were not solidified or proven in any way.