I never agreed to endorse a political party: Sohel Towfiq on controversial ad linked to Jamaat

Actor Sohel Towfiq has issued a public clarification after appearing in an advertisement later identified as part of a commercial linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, stating that he had no prior knowledge of any political association.

In a Facebook post, the actor said he had agreed to the project believing it to be a socially driven initiative. According to him, the advertisement was presented as a social complaint–receiving app aimed at empowering citizens. “I had agreed to act in an advertisement for a social complaint–receiving app, which was meant to be a platform for people to report injustice, corruption, extortion and harassment,” he wrote.

Towfiq claimed that a political message was added later without his knowledge or consent. “Without my knowledge or consent, a political vote appeal was added at the end of the advertisement,” he said, adding that at no stage of the project was he informed of any political intent. “At no point before, during, or after the shoot was I told that this was in any way part of an election campaign.”
Calling the incident a violation of his professional and ethical boundaries, the actor said he does not support or represent any political organisation. “This matter is completely outside my ethical stance and professional consent,” he wrote, firmly stating that he is not associated with any political party, symbol or electoral campaign.

Reacting to the post, several netizens urged the actor to take legal action against the casting director and production house involved.

Expressing disappointment over the situation, Towfiq concluded, “Under these circumstances, I feel that I have been deceived.”

When contacted about Sohel Towfiq’s allegation, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity wing chief Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair told The Daily Star, “Nothing like this should happen without someone’s consent or permission. I am not aware of the matter. This is handled by our cultural wing. I am looking into it.”

After The Daily Star sent the campaign link to Jamaat-e-Islami representatives, no response had been received at the time of publishing.

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Sohel Towfiq has appeared in numerous television commercials and TV series. He was also seen in Sharif Siraj’s directorial film “Uraal”.