Khaleda Zia assault | Zayed Khan shocked by accusations linking him to Khaleda Zia assault

Office of Arts and Entertainment

Monday, August 26, 2024 4:51 PM Last updated: Monday, August 26, 2024 5:18 PM

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Yesterday, a complaint was filed against 50 people, including three celebrities: Zayed Khan, Shariar Nazim Joy and Sazu Khadem. The charges stem from an alleged attack on BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade at Fakirapool junction in April 2015.

Actor Zayed Khan found out last night that he was involved in this case and was surprised by the news. Speaking to Prothom Alo from Canada, Zayed Khan said: “I am stunned and shocked. The sudden implication of my case in this fake case is deliberate.”

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In response to the case, he said, “Every artist is entitled to their political beliefs; they are supposed to be personal and subjective. However, I have never participated in anything inappropriate or controversial. Yesterday, I learned that a complaint was filed against me, accusing me of vandalizing a car in an attempted murder nine years ago. There were hundreds of journalists at the time, and the news was widely covered. If I had been involved, it would have made headlines at the time. I do not support filing complaints against artists indiscriminately and with malicious intent.”

Zayed said that the country is undergoing a change. Everyone has the right to live freely and everyone should enjoy their civil rights. However, if someone’s career is hindered in their efforts to achieve these goals, the cultural sector will never progress.

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He continued, “By filing false complaints indiscriminately, many criminals are being protected. These cases are being used to curb us artists. I can confidently say that I have never participated in any gathering or meeting. I have not done anything against the country or committed any treasonous acts. If anyone can prove otherwise, they are free to take legal action against me. If I have caused harm, I am ready to face the consequences. However, if false accusations continue to be fabricated, it will take away all confidence in our independence.”

Previously, Zayed Khan served two terms as the Secretary General of the Cinema Artists Association. In the 2022 elections for the association, he was contesting against Nipun Akter. Although Zayed won the vote, Nipun challenged the result, which led to a lawsuit. Zayed lost the lawsuit, which sparked further legal disputes. During this period, Zayed came into the spotlight and continued to attract attention through various means, including controversial comments on marriage and women. He also made headlines by getting involved in viral incidents, which eventually led to him being trolled.

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“I have never been involved in treasonous activities or taken bank loans. I have not committed any wrongdoing or spoken negatively about BNP, and I have no right to do so. If a baseless complaint is filed today, what value will this freedom have in 2024? No matter who it is – me or anyone else – if a crime is committed, it must be resolved by filing a complaint and ensuring justice in accordance with the law. However, I am both shocked and dismayed by the filing of such absurd and intentionally motivated complaints,” the actor said.

In conclusion, Zayed said: “If accusations are fabricated against artists in this manner, it will spread fear in the media, creating an unhealthy working environment for us. I certainly support filing complaints when there are legitimate allegations of misconduct. However, I do not support indiscriminate and malicious complaints. I have seen similar complaints filed against Shakib Al Hasan as well. Such complaints should be stopped in the interest of the country’s honour. However, if someone is actually linked to the issue, that is another matter.”

Zayed Khan’s last film ‘Sonar Chor’ was released during Eid-ul-Fitr. No other film of his has been made since then. The last film before that was ‘Antor Jala’ which was released six years ago. Recently, Zayed starred in a film with Kolkata actress Sayantika, but the film is not yet completed. He was also expected to work with another Tollywood actress Puja Banerjee.