Veteran actress Rozina has alleged that she was “used as a trump card” in the recent Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association election, following her defeat in the race for an executive committee member’s post.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Rozina said she never wanted to contest the recent Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association election and agreed only after repeated requests from members of the panel led by Shiba Shanu and Joy Chowdhury.
“I did not want to contest. Joy emotionally persuaded me because my presence would show that senior artistes were supporting their panel,” she said. “I was used as a trump card. I should not have been pressured into contesting only to have my dignity compromised.”
Questioning the conduct of the election, the veteran actress alleged that the overall environment was not conducive to a fair contest and claimed she noticed irregularities during both the voting and vote-counting processes.
Rozina said this was not the first time she had entered the Artistes’ Association election reluctantly. According to her, she had previously contested only after repeated requests from Dipjol, Misha Sawdagor and Zayed Khan, despite repeatedly telling them she would not be able to devote sufficient time to organisational responsibilities.
“The same thing happened this time. I had no intention of contesting, but they came to my house and kept requesting me. The election was on July 3, and I had returned from Kolkata only the day before,” she said.
Reflecting on the state of the industry, Rozina said the culture of respect that once defined Bangladesh’s film fraternity has steadily declined.
“There was a time when the BFDC was a wonderful place. We worked day and night, sometimes shooting in two shifts. The industry was vibrant, and artistes respected one another. Today, films are fewer, work has declined, and so has respect.”
She maintained that the recognition she values most comes from audiences rather than institutions.
“I have worked throughout my life and received immense love from people. The respect I have earned has come through my work and by the grace of the Almighty.”
Rozina also reiterated a deeply personal decision regarding her final wishes, stressing that it predates the current election controversy.
“I have already told my family that after my death, my body should not be taken to the BFDC. This is not a decision I made overnight or because of the election. I made it several years ago, and my family has long known about my wishes.”
The actress, who now divides her time between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, said her greatest wish is to spend her final moments in her homeland.
“I spend much of the year in London, but I pray that my death comes in Dhaka so I can be buried beside my parents. That is what I ask of the Almighty.”
Although she expressed disappointment with the Artists’ Association and the current atmosphere at the BFDC, Rozina said she harbours no bitterness.
“I have no complaints against anyone. I only hope everyone remains well. I have devoted my life to cinema, and if I have contributed anything to this industry, I hope audiences will remember me for it. Above all, I want to see Bangladeshi cinema flourish.”
