5 rules set by ministry to import Bollywood films
Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed that they would greenlight a total of 10 Hindi films for import this year. Next year, in 2024, around 8 Hindi films will be imported. The ministry issued a notice in this regard on Monday. The Cinema Hall owners will have to ensure e-ticketing system to run Hindi movies in theatres.
Based on the positive response from the Ministry of Commerce, in compliance with certain conditions of the existing Import Policy Order 2021-2024, import of films from SAFTA countries have been granted on an experimental basis, subject to the following conditions:
- Legitimate film producers and distributors of Bangladesh will have the opportunity to import films made in sub-continental languages;
- Films produced in sub-continental languages with subtitles shall be allowed to be imported against export, only on an experimental basis for two years;
- Producers may import 10 films against the export of ten Bangladeshi films in the first year;
- Imported subcontinental language films must obtain a certificate from the Bangladesh Film Censor Board, prior to screening;
- Films imported under this order cannot be screened during the week of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja.
Going forward, for the next two years, these regulations will have to be strictly adhered to in order for a Bollywood film to be imported into Bangladesh.