In Bangladesh, few figures embody the dramatic intersection of art, power, and controversy quite like Shomi Kaiser. Once celebrated as a pioneering actress of the 1990s Dhallywood era, Kaiser now finds herself at the center of a multi-faceted scandal that has dominated headlines, sparked legal battles, and divided public opinion. Her journey from beloved screen icon to embattled political figure represents one of the most spectacular falls from grace in recent Bangladeshi history.
A: Her production house is named Dhaka Drama .
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.
During the investigation, RAB unearthed a connection to , a company where Shomi Kaiser was listed as a director. According to RAB’s press briefing on September 18, 2021, the agency claimed that Shomi Kaiser, along with her father Shahidul Islam Khokon and several others, was involved in running a network of illegal loan apps that collected over ৳50 crore (approximately $5.8 million) from thousands of victims. bangladeshi actress shomi kaiser scandal
Leaked screenshots from the group reportedly showed artists discussing ways to suppress protesters, including suggestions to "throw hot water" on them. This sparked intense public backlash and widespread condemnation across social media. Arrest and Attempted Murder Allegations (2024–2025)
Arrested and facing trial on charges of attempted murder related to the anti-discrimination student protests.
She served as the Managing Director of Dhansiri Communications Ltd and was elected president of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) in 2018. In Bangladesh, few figures embody the dramatic intersection
This article explores the tumultuous turning points in Shomi Kaiser's later career, primarily focusing on her 2019 media controversy and the serious attempted murder allegations she faced following the 2024 political upheaval in Bangladesh.
As of late 2024, she remained in custody facing serious allegations. 4. Analysis: From Icon to Controversy
Beyond entertainment, Shomi established herself as a prominent business leader. A: Her production house is named Dhaka Drama
| | Nature of Allegations / Scandal | Year/Period | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Pori Moni | Accused businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmud of physical assault and attempted rape. | 2021 | | Actors Equity Members | Leaked WhatsApp chats from group "Alo Ashbei" showed support for atrocities committed during the previous regime. | 2024 | | Shipan Mitra | Altered that his work for YouTube was released in cinemas without his consent. | 2026 | | Shakib Khan & Others | Was banned for derogatory comments; also involved in secret marriage controversy with Apu Biswas. | 2017 | | "Adult Content Creator" Couple | Arrested for producing and distributing adult content on an international platform. | 2025 | | Shomi Kaiser | Insulting journalists, political defamation, financing attacks during protests, attempted murder. | 2019-2026 |
In the years following 2019, Shomi Kaiser became increasingly identified with the Awami League government. Her political activism, however, culminated in a major controversy during the 2024 student-led quota reform movement.
The judicial battle, however, remained far from over. Between 2025 and 2026, a dizzying series of legal maneuvers unfolded. The High Court granted Shomi Kaiser interim bail on multiple occasions, only to have those orders repeatedly stayed by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. Attempted murder cases continued to multiply. On April 9, 2025, she was shown arrested in a new case—the killing of Zubayer Hasan Yusuf, a first-year honors student of Tongi Government College who was killed during the movement on August 4.
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.
The Shomi Kaiser scandal has had a significant impact on her career. The actress has faced severe backlash from the industry, with several producers and directors distancing themselves from her. Her upcoming projects have been put on hold, and her existing commitments have been called into question.