The Shomi Kaiser scandal has raised several questions about the entertainment industry in Bangladesh and the treatment of female celebrities. It has highlighted the need for greater support and protection for women in the industry, as well as the importance of respecting their personal boundaries.
Video footage later revealed the phones were stolen by a worker who had brought a cake for the event, not the journalists. Legal Action:
Shomi Kaiser is a prominent name in the Dhallywood film industry and Bangladeshi television. The daughter of celebrated film actor and producer Shahidul Islam Khokon, Shomi carved her own niche as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Known for her strong screen presence in films like Dui Shongkho and Chandragrohon , she was often viewed as a savvy businesswoman transitioning from acting to production and digital content.
1. The 2019 Press Club Scandal: The "Stolen Phone" Controversy bangladeshi actress shomi kaiser scandal
Through the 1990s and early 2000s, Shomi Kaiser, along with actor Mahfuz Ahmed, ruled the television scene. Beyond acting, she became the managing director of Dhansiri Communications Ltd, an advertising and event management company, and later served as the president of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), cementing her status as both an artist and a successful entrepreneur.
During her speech, Kaiser lost two smartphones. Her security guards subsequently locked the doors and searched the journalists and guests present. Defamation Case:
On , law enforcement officials raided a residence in Sector 4 of Uttara, Dhaka, and placed Kaiser under arrest. The Shomi Kaiser scandal has raised several questions
Kaiser resigned as the president of e-CAB shortly after the regime fell. However, on the night of November 5, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a raid on a residence in Sector 4, Uttara, and took her into custody. Serious Criminal Charges: Attempted Murder
Industry insiders have watched with anxiety as their political affiliations—whether real or perceived—have increasingly exposed them to legal jeopardy. One commentator aptly noted: "On August 5, the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down amid a surging student-led anti-discrimination movement. The shift in power since her ousting has sparked widespread transformations, with people from the entertainment industry not being spared from the turmoil. Many actors, linked to certain political identities, now find themselves in precarious positions".
The Fall of a 1990s Icon: Unpacking the Shomi Kaiser Controversies and Legal Scandals Legal Action: Shomi Kaiser is a prominent name
Shomi Kaiser's identity is anchored in her family's historical significance. She is the daughter of the renowned martyred intellectual and novelist and former Member of Parliament Panna Kaiser . This lineage placed her at the heart of Bangladeshi intellectual and cultural movements from a young age. She is also the niece of the legendary filmmaker Zahir Raihan. The Entertainment Icon (1990s–Present)
The scope of legal action eventually expanded to encompass high-profile figures. On March 2, 2026, a Dhaka court showed ten people arrested in new cases, including Shomi Kaiser, former lawmakers Dipu Moni, Amir Hossain Amu, and Salman F. Rahman, as well as former inspector generals of police, all linked to killings during the July uprising.
: Kaiser became an active figure within the Awami League, serving on its Liberation War Affairs subcommittee and eventually seeking a parliamentary nomination for the Feni-3 seat.