Coca-Cola Bangladesh ad removed from YouTube after social media backlash
In a response to mounting criticism and online backlash, Coca-Cola Bangladesh has taken down its recent advertisement from YouTube. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions surrounding the Palestine-Israel issue, with the advertisement inadvertently becoming a focal point for controversy.
The recent advertisement created by Coca-Cola Bangladesh ignited a storm on social media platforms, as it sparked outrage and threats against artistes involved in the project.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The controversy stems from a boycott of Coca-Cola by citizens of Muslim countries who stand against the ongoing Israeli aggression on Palestine. This boycott has gained traction even in Bangladesh. Seeking to address the growing dissent, Coca-Cola Bangladesh rolled out an advertisement earlier this week. However, far from achieving its intended purpose, the advertisement intensified the debate, with actors involved in the campaign facing threats.
Despite the advertisement being removed, discussions continue to proliferate across various online platforms, including Facebook groups, pages, and YouTube channels. Numerous clips with distorted versions of the advertisement have surfaced, keeping the discourse alive.
Critics of the Coca-Cola advertisement argue that it perpetuates misconceptions, with consumers mistakenly associating Coca-Cola with 'that country' [Israel] in question. However, Coca-Cola has urged individuals to seek clarity by conducting a Google search. The brand emphasises that Coca-Cola is consumed in 190 countries worldwide, including Palestine, where there exists a Coca-Cola factory.
The advertisement featured the "Bachelor Point" famed actors Saraf Ahmed Zibon and Shimul Sharma, along with Abdullah Al Sento, among others. actor and filmmaker Zibon directed the advertisement, which led to massive trolling and criticism of him on social media.
In response to the uproar, Zibon clarified his stance in a Facebook post on Monday. The actor shared his personal beliefs and the context of making the advertisement, stating, "I am known to everyone as a director and actor. For the past two decades, I have been involved in showbiz. Recently, Coca-Cola Bangladesh hired me to direct and act in one of their commercials. I only presented the commercial based on the information and data provided by their agency."
He then addressed the negative response following the advertisement's airing. "After the advertisement aired, I have been receiving a lot of mixed reactions from my fans. With all due respect, I would like to reiterate that this work is only a part of my professional life," stated the actor.
In response to netizens condemning him for allegedly supporting genocide against the people of Palestine, the actor clarified that he does not support anything that goes against human rights.
Meanwhile, in response to the backlash, actor Shimul Sharma, who starred in the advertisement, took to social media today to issue a heartfelt apology.
Shimul expressed, "I, Shimul Sharma, have not yet become an actor worthy of recognition because I still lack the dedication and foresight necessary to be a true actor. I am only trying. This is why my work, done without understanding, has hurt my audience, my family, and the people of my country. In the future, I will ensure that any work I undertake respects our country's values, human rights, and people's sentiments."
However, Coca-Cola Bangladesh has yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversy.
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