Several figures from Bangladesh’s entertainment industry have collected nomination forms from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to contest reserved seats for women in the upcoming national election, signalling a renewed intersection between culture and politics.
Among those seeking nominations are singers Dilruba Khan, Kanak Chapa, Baby Naznin, Rizia Parveen and Dithi Anwar, along with dancer Farhana Chowdhury Baby.
Dilruba Khan collected her nomination form from Joypurhat-2 and said, “I have some personal ideas and plans. If elected, I will be able to implement them on a larger scale—that is why I collected the nomination form.”
Kanak Chapa, a three-time National Film Award-winning playback singer, previously contested the 2018 general election from Sirajganj-1 as a BNP candidate.
She said, “I want to speak for the people in parliament, to highlight their struggles. I have always worked for underprivileged people and want to expand that work further.”
Baby Naznin, another established playback singer, also has prior political involvement. She sought a BNP nomination from Nilphamari-4 in 2018 and has held roles within the party’s international wing.
“If I receive the nomination, I will try to contribute to the country’s development,” she said. “I want to empower the younger generation and promote culture.”
Rizia Parveen, seeking nomination from her home district Kishoreganj, said, “I want to work for the people of this country. As an artiste, I also want to contribute to the development of the cultural sector. If nominated, I will prioritise women’s advancement and cultural initiatives.”
Farhana Chowdhury Baby collected her nomination form from Mymensingh. She currently serves as joint convener of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha and comes from a political family. She is the daughter of former lawmaker and state minister for health Aman Ullah Chowdhury.
Dithi Anwar, daughter of noted lyricist and filmmaker Gazi Mazharul Anwar, has also collected a nomination form. Her father-in-law Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury was elected a member of parliament twice under BNP.
“Since childhood, I have seen my father carry the country in his heart,” she said. “Politics is an important platform to work on a larger scale. If given the opportunity, I will dedicate myself to serving the people.”
