The sudden fall of the Awami League government on August 5 has sent ripples through various sectors of the country, including the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association (BFAA). Prominent leaders Monowar Hossain Dipjol, Nipun Akter, and Zayed Khan have all retreated from public life since the political shift, and each now faces new controversies that threaten to overshadow their previous leadership battles within the association. The power struggle within the Film Artistes' Association had been simmering long before the political upheaval.
Since the controversial 2022-24 election, the battle for the general secretary's chair has been a symbol of division. Zayed Khan initially won the position, narrowly defeating Nipun Akter by 13 votes. However, Nipun challenged the results, accusing Zayed of election misconduct.
The Appeals Board, led by director Shohanur Rahman Shohan, eventually declared Nipun the winner, overturning Zayed's victory. Despite Nipun briefly assuming the role, Zayed's legal battle led to the High Court restoring him to the position, setting off a prolonged feud between the two. Their courtroom clashes and public disputes kept the nation's attention on the association's leadership struggle.
In 2024, the conflict took a new turn when Dipjol entered the fray, defeating Nipun in the 2024-26 term elections. His victory seemed to calm the situation, but the peace didn't last. Within a month, Nipun filed a writ petition challenging Dipjol's legitimacy, and a High Cour.