BFDC election: No star candidates, but FDC canteen thrives

5 hour(s) ago

Zahid Akbar

Photos: Star

Campaigning by two panels is in full swing at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) ahead of the Bangladesh Film Artistes Association election for the 2026–28 term.

In this year's election, Arman and Rumana Islam Mukti are contesting the posts of president and general secretary from one panel, while Shiba Sanu and Joy Chowdhury are leading the rival panel. The election is scheduled to be held on July 3.

The BFDC is currently buzzing with election activities as candidates and their supporters gather on the premises every day to campaign. While the election has brought renewed activity to the country's film hub, many industry insiders note that neither panel features many prominent star artistes this time.

Some have questioned the effectiveness of film-related organisations, arguing that they have done little to benefit the industry. Others claim that such elections tend to attract artistes who are not actively working, while many of the country's leading stars have not even taken membership of the Film Artistes Association.

One group that has clearly benefited from the election season is the FDC canteen.

With members of both panels regularly visiting the BFDC, business at the canteen has seen a sharp increase in recent weeks.

Mohammad Rubel, a sales worker at the canteen, told The Daily Star, "Previously, the canteen would make only Tk 1,000 to Tk 2,000 in sales on an average day. Now, with the Film Artistes Association election approaching, daily sales have risen to Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000. This is a major gain for us. We expect sales to increase even further over the next few days. That is why the Artistes Association election is a joyful occasion for us.”

Filmmaker Bandhan Biswas believes the focus should be on electing capable representatives rather than well-known faces.

"I do not see many glamorous faces in this year's election," he told The Daily Star. "However, I hope the artistes will elect people who are capable of working effectively at this time. I believe the industry will benefit if those who have good relationships with members of the film community are chosen."

Film director Apurba Rana echoed similar sentiments."I do not see any heavyweight candidates in this year's Film Artistes Association election," he told The Daily Star. "Still, it is good to see that the election is creating a festive atmosphere and bringing some excitement.”