Baker Bhai

Baker Bhai (Bengali: বাকের ভাই) is the lead character in a popular Bangladeshi television show called Kothao Keu Nei. The character is portrayed by Bangladeshi actor Asaduzzaman Noor. The show was created by Humayun Ahmed in 1990.^[1][2][3]

Character

Baker Bhai is portrayed as a thug or vagabond who wanders aimlessly with his two companions, Bodi (আবদুল কাদের) and Mojnu (লুতফুর রহমান জজ). As the leader of this small motorcycle gang, Baker Bhai skirts the edges of society, living just outside the law and outside of mainstream society. Although a rogue, gangster and rebellious spirit, he is known as a fair and just individual who won't hesitate to step in and correct an injustice or to come to the aid of the defenseless.

During the course of the drama, Baker Bhai endears himself to a woman named Muna, who initially disrespects him as a common thug, but eventually succumbs to his roguish charms and his sense of justice and develops feelings for him. As the head of a gang, Baker Bhai has to juggle the many competing claims to his turf. This and his readiness to come to the defense of the victimized get him in a series of serious conflicts and dangerous situations. In the end, he is betrayed by his own friends and is hanged on a charge of murder. Although guilty, Baker Bhai killed this man in an attempt to defend the innocent.

Reception

The series was so popular in Bangladesh, and the character of Baker Bhai so beloved, that mass street protests took place when it was learned that the character would be sentenced to be hanged. Protesters gathered in the thousands and threatened to retaliate if the television station, Bangladesh Television, didn't reverse this decision. The station, however, didn't change their plans and the series ended with Bakar Bhai's death.

References