Mohammad Zahirul Haque,[2] best known by his stage name as Zayed Khan, is a Bangladeshi film actor who has appeared in more than 25 films to date. He began his career in 2006 with the film Bhalobasha Bhalobasha. Since then he has appeared in the films Nagar Mastan opposite Pori Moni and Dabangg. He was cast in Antor Jala (2017) due to director Malek Afsary's preference for him as an actor.[3] He was the former general secretary of Bangladesh Film Artistes Association, the organisation of local film artists.[4][5][6]
Early life and education
Md. Zahirul Haque was born on 30 July in Pirojpur, Bangladesh.[7]
His father is M. A. Haque and mother is Shahida Haque. His father died on 31 December 2020 and his mother died 27 December 2021.[8] Shahida Haque was honored with the 'Ratnagurba' (mother of talent) award.[9]
Haque studied from Dhaka City College. He used to live with his sister behind the Modhumita. After passing the Higher Secondary examination, he claims to have attended Dhaka University.[9]
Career
Film
Haque began his acting career in the 2006 film, Bhalobasha Bhalobasha opposite Riaz and Shabnur. Haque later appeared in another movie with Riaz and Shabnur, Mon Chuyeche Mon. He acted in Jomidar Barir Meye opposite Amin Khan and Nipun, also starring in Rickshawalar Chele alongside Dipjol.[citation needed] He has also appeared in Prem Korbo Tomar Sathe andToke Bhalobastei Hobe.[10]
Bangladesh Film Artists' Association
Director Bulbul Bishwas, Borhan Khan, Actor Zayed Khan, Bipasha Kabir, Harun Rashid at 10 years celebration of Bangladesh Pratidin
In May 2017, Haque became the general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artists' Association. He bagged 279 votes while his opponent, Amit Hasan, got 145 votes.[4]
On 28 January 2022, Haque once again became the general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artists' Association after bagging 176 votes while his competitor, Nipun Akter, got 163 votes.[5] Later, as the allegations of buying votes in exchange for money were proven, the appeal board canceled the candidature of Zayed Khan and declared Nipun Akter the winner.[11]
Politics
Haque is a member of Awami League and central cultural sub-committee member of the party.[7]
Criticism
Zayed Khan took a stand for the government during the repression of the dictatorship Awami League government on the students in the quota reform movement that took place in 2024.[12] During the movement, a group of pro-autocracy Awami artists, including Zayed Khan, were active against the movement in a WhatsApp group called 'Alo Ashbei'[13] led by actor Ferdous. After the non-cooperation movement, on September 3, 2024, some screenshots related to that WhatsApp group were spread on social media.[14][15]
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