Govt aims to return golden era of film industry: Hasan

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DHAKA, Dec 8, 2019 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the government’s aim is to bring back the golden era of country’s film industry and capture the global cinema market.

“The barren period of our film industry is over . . . A number of good and quality films have been produced in the recent years,” he said while presiding over the National Film Award 2017 and 2018 giving ceremony at Bangabandhu International Conference Center here.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the function as the chief guest and handed over the awards, the highest recognition to the contribution of artistes in Bangladeshi films.

State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hassan and Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Ministry Hasanul Haq Inu were present as the special guests. Information Secretary Abdul Malek delivered the welcome address.

Terming the film industry ‘one of the oldest media in Bangladesh’, Hasan said the industry started its journey at the initiative of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 3rd April in 1957.

The minister said many cinema halls across the country were closed as the mass people had stopped going to cinema halls.

“The present government under the supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken various initiatives to make the industry vibrant. Now the barren period is over. I’ve already talked with the Bangladesh Bank authority for easy and long-term loans for the cinema hall owners,” he added.

He said there are many reasons for the closure of cinema halls in the country. We need to protect the film industry,” he added.

The minister said the government has taken a project involving around Taka 327 crore for FDC for the development of the film industry with modern equipments and technologies.

He said the Bangabandhu Film City in Gazipur will be turned into a world-class spot within the shortest possible time.

A film is the mirror of society and it talks about the people and history, Hasan said, adding: “Good movies are being produced in Bangladesh and some movies are receiving international awards and accolades too.”

Besides, the minister said the work of forming welfare trust for the artistes of the film industry is going on.