Calls for a boycott of Coca-Cola products in Bangladesh are intensifying on social media, fuelled by a controversial new advertisement and the on-going Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The ad, featuring popular actors Saraf Ahmed Zibon and Shimul Sharma from the hit series "Bachelor Point," drew immediate criticism online. Many viewers mistakenly linked the commercial to director Kajal Arefin Ome, who quickly clarified he had no involvement.
Actor Shimul Sharma issued a public apology on social media following widespread criticism of a Coca-Cola advertisement he starred in.
His apology acknowledged a lack of judgment on his part. "I still lack the dedication and foresight necessary to be a true actor," he admitted. He expressed regret for the ad's impact, stating it "hurt my audience, my family, and the people of my country."
Vowing to learn from the experience, Sharma pledged to be more selective in future projects. "In the future, I will ensure that any work I undertake respects our country's values, human rights, and people's sentiments," he wrote.
The actor concluded his apology by seeking forgiveness and expressing his hope to become "a conscientious artiste" in the future.
In social media people have expressed strong feelings about on-going conflicts. Interestingly, Coca-Cola Bangladesh hasn't said anything official about the controversy yet.
