Bangladeshi actor
Ferdous Ahmed, who has courted controversy for campaigning for the
Trinamool Congress in
Raiganj
, has issued a statement, rendering an unconditional apology for the mistake. His statement reads:
My name is Ferdous. The craft of acting is my passion and my profession. I am trying to bridge the gap between all Bengali speakers through acting. I love to think that I am equally popular in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. There are striking similarities between the culture and lifestyles of Bengalis on both sides of the border. India is, of course, an extremely diverse nation. We will always be grateful to India because of its role as an ally during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. We will remain indebted for the sacrifices of the Indian populace. I have a long relationship with the cultural atmosphere of West Bengal. A lot of artistes from this side of the border are my friends. They are extremely dear to me, which is why I visit
West Bengal
from time to time.
India is about to have its national elections. The world's largest
democracy
's elections is causing debates and discussions all over the world. Even I was extremely moved by this discourse and my sentimental attachment to the state made me attend an election campaign in West Bengal with my colleagues. It was not premeditated and purely out of sentiment. It wasn't a display of loyalty towards a particular political party and no disrespect was intended. I have the utmost regard for all the political parties, leaders and the constitution of India.
I have mentioned that my love for the people of West Bengal is endless and I was carried away by my emotions. I understand that it was perhaps wrong on my part to attend the election campaign since my intent has hurt people. I am a citizen of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh and it is wrong on my part to attend an election campaign in any other nation. I am unconditionally apologetic for this unintentional mistake. I hope that I will be able to earn your forgiveness.
Zinia Sen is chief copy editor at Calcutta Times. She handles the...
Read MoreZinia Sen is chief copy editor at Calcutta Times. She handles the "Kolkata Is Talking About" pages. She handles editing and production work, apart from writing regularly. She keenly awaits Friday releases and weekend concerts. She hates discussing work and loves playing badminton to keep her going. Having been a high school badminton champion, she says sports has instilled in her the drive to win.
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