Shabnam Faria expressed regret over being a voter in Dhaka-8

Popular actress Shabnam Faria, known for her expressive acting style and memorable performances, recently shared her regret over being a voter in Dhaka-8 ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. Faria, who made her film debut in the 2018 movie Debi, has gradually reduced her acting workload in recent years but remains active on social media, where she frequently voices her opinions on current affairs.

On Tuesday, 27 January, Faria took to her social media account to post a candid reflection on the electoral landscape of her constituency, Shantinagar, which falls under Dhaka-8. In her post, she expressed frustration not over the everyday inconveniences of city life—such as the notorious 24/7 traffic jams in Shantinagar—nor over the trivial dramas that unfold in her neighbourhood. Instead, her grievance centred squarely on the political theatre she is destined to witness as a voter in Dhaka-8.

She wrote:
“I have no complaints about the 24/7 traffic jams in Shantinagar, nor about some local girl sleeping on a pillow that bears the face of Zayed Khan. My only sorrow is that Shantinagar falls under Dhaka-8, and I am a voter of this constituency.”

Her post quickly resonated with netizens, who shared their amusement and empathy in the comments section. One user humorously suggested that Faria is fortunate, as she can observe local election drama from the comfort of her home, perhaps even keeping some corn on hand to enjoy popcorn-style while watching the events unfold.

Dhaka-8 is shaping up as a highly contested constituency in the upcoming election, with notable candidates including:

Dhaka-8 encompasses central and politically vibrant areas of the capital, including Motijheel, Shahbagh, Ramna, Paltan, and Shahjahanpur. Historically, the constituency has witnessed high-profile campaigns and intense political rivalry, which may explain Faria’s tongue-in-cheek lament over being part of its electorate.

Despite stepping back from acting, Shabnam Faria continues to remain relevant in public discourse through her social media presence, blending wit, satire, and sharp observations of contemporary issues. Her latest reflection on Dhaka-8 highlights not just a personal sentiment, but also the complex, often theatrical nature of urban electoral politics in Bangladesh.