In the midst of the 13th parliamentary election, the discussion on whether celebrities should venture into politics has resurfaced. Despite the anticipation surrounding celebrity involvement in promotional campaigns and as active voters, this year saw a notable absence of major showbiz personalities running for office. In a country where cultural icons have previously made the leap into formal political positions, this absence is quite striking.
Various artists have faced criticism for switching party allegiances or their prior political engagements. Prior to the election, singer Rabi Chowdhury found himself explaining his involvement in Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) promotions in Dhaka-17, even though he had previously supported singer and former MP Momtaz for the Awami League. Emphasizing that he acted upon the requests of fellow artists and not for personal gain, Chowdhury clarified that his performances were not part of campaigning but rather a reflection of civic responsibility.
Celebrities have been increasingly drawn into politics over the years, sometimes for personal gain. Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan candidly admitted her association with “power abusers,” revealing her firsthand experience of corruption and manipulation during the 2018 and 2024 elections while being closely involved with key figures of the previous government, the Awami League.
In the realm of Bangladeshi politics, celebrities have encountered both opportunities and obstacles. Speculated to receive BNP nominations in the recent election, veteran singers like Baby Naznin, Kanak Chapa, Monir Khan, Asif Akbar, and Nazmun Munira Nancy were ultimately not fielded. Many of these artists disclosed the challenges they faced, including repression and neglect, for supporting specific political banners, which adversely affected their careers.
In contrast, the previous Awami League-led parliament saw a notable presence of entertainment and sports personalities such as the late actor Farooque, actor Asaduzzaman Noor, and former cricketer Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, all of whom were highly regarded by the public.
The 2024 national election witnessed the victory of actor Ferdous Ahmed and cricketer Shakib Al Hasan with strong public support, yet their full parliamentary tenure was curtailed due to subsequent political transitions.
While celebrity involvement in politics can enhance a party’s appeal and cultural legitimacy, it also carries reputational risks as public scrutiny tends to be more severe towards political choices than artistic achievements. Some Bangladeshi artists argue that maintaining distance from politics helps preserve neutrality and trust. However, others like singer Asif Akbar openly express their political motivations, citing familial ties and admiration for political figures as key drivers.
Internationally, entertainers entering politics often face skepticism, yet notable figures like Ronald Reagan and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have demonstrated successful transitions from the entertainment industry to political leadership roles. In South Asia, personalities like M G Ramachandran, N T Rama Rao, and J Jayalalithaa have leveraged their fame to gain political power, challenging the notion that artists lack political acumen.
In Bangladesh, where cultural figures wield significant influence, the amalgamation of arts and politics remains intriguing. The involvement of artists like Nahid Islam, Hasnat Abdullah, Tasnim Jara, and Monisha Chakraborty showcases that political commitment and public service can emanate from diverse backgrounds, encouraging fresh faces to engage in politics despite prevalent stigmas.
Ultimately, the debate on celebrities in politics persists, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity, competence, and dedication to public service rather than past achievements or glamour. Artists, like individuals from any profession, should have the liberty to participate in politics without prejudice, as long as their intent is to serve the nation.