Farhan's BCS role sparks social media storm

A recent drama starring actor Mushfiq R Farhan has drawn criticism on social media over what viewers say are several factual inaccuracies in its portrayal of a BCS cadre officer.

Titled ‘Pother Sathi Ke Chine Nio’, the drama was released on YouTube a few days ago. Directed by Zubayer Ibn Bakar, it has generated considerable discussion among viewers, with criticism largely centring on its depiction of the protagonist’s government career.

Farhan plays Moin Khan, a young man who comes from a poor background and loses his relationship with his girlfriend because of his financial situation. He later joins the Bangladesh Civil Service and is shown becoming a Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

However, viewers have questioned the way his career progression is portrayed. In the drama, Moin is shown joining as a UNO on his first day of government service. Critics say this is inconsistent with the actual career progression of officers in the administration cadre, where an officer typically serves in other capacities before being posted as a UNO.

Viewers have also pointed out the use of the term “Associate Magistrate” in the drama, saying that it does not correspond to a recognised designation in Bangladesh’s government service. The use of Uttara as an upazila on a nameplate has also drawn criticism.

Social media users have expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of basic research before depicting government officials and their designations in dramas.

One viewer criticised the industry for repeatedly portraying BCS cadres inaccurately, referring to similar controversy surrounding another drama featuring actor Zovan.

Another social media user sarcastically wrote that “executive magistrate” and “judicial magistrate” were apparently being replaced by “associate magistrate”, questioning whether the makers had conducted even basic research before producing the drama.

Several similar comments and posts have surfaced on social media. The director, cast members or other parties involved in the production have yet to comment on the criticism.

The drama’s story was written by Shahjahan Saurav. Besides Mushfiq R Farhan, the cast includes Archita Sporshia, Joynal Jack, Mili Bashar and RK Reza, among others.

This is not the first time a Bangladeshi drama has faced criticism over the portrayal of BCS cadres. Earlier, a scene in Anisur Rahman Rajib’s ‘Se Prothom Prem Amar’, starring Zovan and Ayesha Khan, also sparked discussion after Zovan’s character introduced himself as a BCS foreign affairs cadre officer.