In a closely contested election, popular actor Misha Sawdagar emerged victorious as the president of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association for the term between 2024 and 2026. The nail-biting 18th edition of the association's elections, held on Friday, also saw veteran actor Monowar Hossain Dipjol elected as the new general secretary.

The Misha-Dipjol panel, represented by Misha and Dipjol, defeated the Koli-Nipun panel, led by prominent actor Mahmud Koli and actress Nipun Akter, for the respective top positions.

The election results were announced by Chief Election Commissioner Khorshed Alam Khosru on Saturday morning at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in Dhaka. Misha Sawdagar secured a total of 265 votes, reclaiming the presidency after his defeat in the controversial 2022 election.

Dipjol, representing the Misha-Dipjol panel, garnered 225 votes to become the new general secretary, surpassing his opponent, actress Nipun, who received 209 votes.

Other key positions in the association's executive body were also filled through this election. Masum Parvez Rubel and DA Tayeb secured the vice president positions with 231 and 234 votes respectively. Arman became the joint general secretary with 237 votes, and Joy Chowdhury won the organizing secretary position with 255 votes.

Alexander Bow received 296 votes to become the secretary of international affairs, while Jacky Alamgir, Mamnun Hasan Emon, and Komol secured the positions of office and publicity secretary, culture and sports secretary, and treasurer respectively.

Nine executive members were elected from the Misha-Dipjol panel, including Sucharita, Rozina, Ali Raj, Subrata, Dilara Yasmin, Shahnur, Nana Shah, Ratna Kabir, and Chhunu. Two executive members, Riana Parvin Poly and Soni Rahman, were elected from the Koli-Nipun panel.

The election, conducted under strict security measures at the BFDC premises from 9 am to 6:20 pm, witnessed a festive atmosphere with enthusiastic participation. Out of 570 votes, 475 votes were cast, and 434 votes were counted after ruling out 41 votes for miscellaneous reasons, according to sources from the Election Commission.

Chief Election Commissioner Khorshed Alam presided over the election alongside EC members BH Nishan and AJ Rana.