Bashundhara City: Star Cineplex brings down curtain on 6 movie halls

At a time when businesses are trying to recover from huge losses following the Covid-19 pandemic, Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City was served an eviction notice from the authorities.

As cinema halls across the country have closed down due to safety concerns, Cineplex was already incurring huge losses. On August 12, Star Cineplex set up a press conference, raising a 7-point demand in order to help save the movis theatres.

With six halls and a seating capacity of 1,626, Star Cineplex not only provided citizens the first multiplex experience in the country but also had great contributions in popularising Bashundhara City.

"We did everything we could to save it but the decision was ultimately up to the authorities of Bashundhara City," says Mesbah Uddin, Cineplex's media and marketing manager.

Mesbah told The Daily Star that they received the eviction notice in August. "It has been a great 18-year long journey. Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City was the go-to destination for film-lovers in the capital."

Contacted, Sheikh Abdul Alim, senior executive (A&F) and in-charge of Bashundhara City Development Ltd, refused to make a comment in this regard.

Even prior to the pandemic, cinema halls had been closing down for years in Dhaka due to the lack of audience interest. Remission of theatre rents, tax alleviations and urgent government assistance during the Covid-19 outbreak were suggested by many hall-owners.

Even though this particular branch has closed down, Star Cineplex continues to expand its services to outlets all over the country.

It will still be available in Mohakhali's SKS Tower and Dhanmondi's Shimanto Shambhar in the capital, with another one to be constructed in the building that will replace Mirpur's Sony Cinema Hall.