The Ministry of Information allowed the import of films made in subcontinental languages under five conditions
Following the demands of the film industry, the government has finally allowed the import of Indian films in Bangladesh. However, a maximum of 10 movies can be imported per year. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed the information through a notification on Monday (April 10).
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry informed this information in an office order around 11 o'clock on Tuesday. According to the office order, the opinion of the Ministry of Commerce is sought in view of the request of the Combined Film Council regarding the import of films made in sub-continental languages. On the basis of the positive opinion of the Ministry of Commerce, the existing import policy order 2021-2024 under sub-paragraph 25 (36) (c) against the export of Bangladeshi films has been given permission to import films made in subcontinental languages from SAFTA countries subject to five conditions.
The conditions are:
1 Only legitimate Bangladeshi film producers, distributors will be allowed to import films made in sub-continental languages.
2 Films made in sub-continental languages with subtitles will be allowed to be imported against exports only on an experimental basis for two years.
3 In the first year 10 films can be imported against export.
4 The Bangladesh Film Censor Board certificate must be obtained before showing imported subcontinental language films and e. No films in subcontinental languages can be screened during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja weeks in Bangladesh.
Earlier, on February 19, the joint film council of these organizations submitted a proposal in this regard to Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud. Later it was informed that they have no objection to import Indian movies to Bangladesh subject to conditions. The Information Minister also assured to take further action after informing the Prime Minister about the matter.
Incidentally, several Indian Bengali films were released in Bangladesh through the exchange of films between the SAARC countries under the South Asian Regional Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). Most of the movies were flopped. However, in 2015, according to the SAFTA agreement, Hindi films were screened in the cinema halls of the country. At that time, filmmakers and crews stopped the screening of Bollywood movies by protesting and human chaining.
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