‘That’s Why Nepal Does Not Have a Nobel’

Renowned actress and filmmaker Meher Afroz Shaon, widely admired for her work in film and television, has been active on social media, frequently expressing her views on contemporary issues. From showbiz to politics, Shaon often comments on a range of topics on Facebook.

Recently, she shared her thoughts on the situation in Nepal, subtly drawing comparisons with Bangladesh without directly naming the country.

In her post, Shaon wrote: “I cannot accept Nepal’s interim government. Prime Minister Sushila Karki calls Nepal’s revolution a ‘deliberately executed conspiracy’! Could she not have said instead, ‘This looting, arson, and destruction is an expression of the long-standing frustration of the youth’? Are these protesters not her ‘employers’? Has she learnt nothing from Bangladesh?”

She further criticised the handling of the September 8–12 events, noting: “All criminal acts during 8–12 September cannot be brought under judicial review—could she not enact such an indemnity law? Without acquiring new licences under her company, without building universities, without granting five-year income tax exemptions, without implementing any genuine reforms, she set an election date within six months! Not a single protester was appointed to her cabinet by her employer!”

Concluding her post, Shaon wrote: “That is why Nepal does not have a Nobel.”

Followers quickly recognised the implicit comparison to Bangladesh’s post-5 August scenario. Comments reflected support for Shaon’s critique:

Shaon’s post resonates with audiences familiar with political unrest and governance issues in both Nepal and Bangladesh, highlighting her critique of leadership and governance practices.

Shaon’s commentary underscores her engagement with regional political discourse and her ability to use social media as a platform for critique, combining political awareness with her public persona as an actress and filmmaker.