TBT REPORT

A recently released drama featuring Mushfiq R Farhan has sparked a wave of criticism over its portrayal of a BCS cadre officer.

The drama, Pother Sathike Chine Nio, was released on YouTube a few days ago. Directed by Zubayer Ibn Baker, it has generated discussion among viewers, with many praising its story and performances while others have criticised the way the BCS cadre profession has been depicted.

Mushfiq R Farhan plays a character named Moin Khan. The story portrays Moin as the son of a poor family. At one point, financial hardship leads to the breakdown of his relationship with his girlfriend. He later becomes a BCS cadre and joins as an Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

However, several viewers have questioned Moin Khan’s appointment as a UNO and the designation shown in the drama. According to them, the drama suggests that Moin joins as a UNO on his very first day of service. In reality, after joining the administration cadre, an officer works as an Executive Magistrate, while the opportunity to become a UNO comes later through promotion.

Viewers have also pointed out that the drama refers to Moin Khan’s position as an “Associate Magistrate.” They claim that there is no such designation in Bangladesh’s government service. Some have also questioned the use of “Uttara” as the name of an upazila on one of the drama’s nameplates.

Various comments about these issues have appeared on social media. One viewer wrote that the country’s drama industry is presenting such inaccurate information. The viewer also noted that a similar controversy had previously emerged over the portrayal of a BCS cadre character in a drama starring actor Jovan.

Another viewer sarcastically wrote, “The days of Executive Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates are over; Associate Magistrates are coming.” The viewer criticised the makers for failing to verify even basic information about government service positions.

The drama’s director, actors or anyone else involved in the production have yet to comment on the criticism.

Written by Shahjahan Saurav, Pother Sathike Chine Nio also stars Orchita Sporshia, Zainal Jack, Mili Basar and RK Reza, among others.

Previously, a scene from Anisur Rahman Rajib’s drama She Prothom Prem Amar also sparked discussion and criticism on social media. In that drama, Farhan Ahmed Jovan identifies himself as a BCS Foreign Affairs cadre officer, prompting various reactions from viewers.