The frameworks of portrayals of gender-based violence in our local productions have been birthed from the need to give voice to the oppressed Biranganas (war heroines)—as portrayed through several films or dramas throughout the years.

The awards will be handed out tonight at a lavish event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), in the Hall of Fame, from 5 pm onwards.

“Rokeya is one of the most challenging and popular characters I have donned,” she said. “In the last three years, wherever I went, be it in or outside the country, people kept asking me about the next instalment,” quipped the actress, who added that she has never experienced this much hype for any other project.