ZCZC
BSS-52
HASAN-FILM TWO LAST DHAKA
The information minister said the life of the country’s people can be portrayed through films and at the same time, films can play an important role in creating the mindset of people.
The filmmakers and artists of the country are very talented as they have received many international accolades and many films were applauded all over the world, he said.
Hasan said the government is working not only to bring back the golden age in the film industry, but also to take Bangladeshi films to a place in the world arena.
Mentioning that many initiatives have already been taken for the development of the film industry, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formed a special fund involving Taka 1,000 crore to help resume the closed cinema halls, modernise the old halls and set up new halls.
From this fund, an unprecedented step has been taken to introduce long-term soft loans at 5 percent interest rate in Dhaka and Chattogram, while 4.5 percent interest rate outside Dhaka and Chattogram, he said.
With the full cooperation of the Prime Minister, this initiative turns into a reality, the information minister said, adding “In addition to this, there will be a cinema hall in every information building being constructed at district level.”
He said in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Finance Ministry, the annual grant allocation for film production has been increased to Taka 10 crore from Taka five crore, while the number of films receiving grants increased to 16 last year from 10.
The release of the films, which receive grants, to at least 20 cinema halls have been made mandatory, he added.
Hasan said two projects have been taken to construct a new building at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) and enhance beautification of the corporation.
Besides, he said, after completing the first phase of work of Bangabandhu Film City in Gazipur, the works of its second phase are also at final stage.
He said BFDC has been given one acre of land from BTV to set up an outlet of BFDC in Chattogram.
The minister also welcomed the proposals of the BFDA to minimise the fixed cost of BFDC in film production and to provide block allocation to BFDC.
The BFDA leaders handed over a set of proposal, including formation of a new committee on films involving representatives from the ministry and the BFDA, to the minister.
Commenting on BNP’s budget reaction, the AL joint general secretary said: “In the last 12 years, we have been seeing the same criticism and remarks after announcement of any budget. I want to ask the BNP, how did the country move forward in the last 12 years?”
He said the size of budget was Taka 88,000 crore 12 years ago and now it stands at Taka 6,03,681 crore, which is seven times.
Asking BNP to get out of the ill culture of opposing for opposition, Hasan said: “The budget has not been passed yet. Of course, if the BNP has any advice on the proposed budget, the party can give it.”
BFDA vice-president Chhatku Ahmed, its secretary general Shahin Sumon, deputy secretary general Kabirul Islam Rana, international and information technology secretary Noman Robin, culture and sports secretary Shaheen Kabir Tutul and executive members Zakir Hossain Raju and Bir Muktijoddha Nur Mohammad Moni took part in the meeting.
BSS/ASG/BN/MRI/RY/20:52hrs