Staff Reporter:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved the import of films made in the languages of Indian subcontinent on five conditions including export of films made by Bangladesh.
An office order signed by Information and Broadcasting Ministry Deputy Secretary (Films) Saiful Islam was issued in this regard on Tuesday.
However, maximum 10 movies will be allowed to be imported in the first year against export of 10 movies, said the order.
The order said, considering the Sammilito Chalacchitro Parishad’s application regarding the import of films made in languages of Indian subcontinent, the Commerce Ministry’s opinion was sought.
It said due to the positive response from the Commerce Ministry, import of films from SAFTA countries has been given permission against the export of Bangladeshi films on the following conditions on exper-imental basis.
1. Only legitimate film producers and distributors will be allowed to import films.
2. Films made in sub-continental languages with subtitles will be allowed to be imported on an experi-mental basis for two years against export of Bangladeshi films.
3. In the first year, 10 films will be allowed to be imported against export.
4. Before screening of imported films, Bangladesh Film Censor Board’s certificate must be obtained.
5. No such films to be allowed to be screened during holy Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja weeks in Bangladesh.
