Today, the Bangladesh Cholochitra Sangbadik Samity (BACHSAS) held a programme to welcome the newly elected executive council for the year of 2022-24 and also hand out the BACHSAS Awards, for 2022, to renowned personalities.

Information Minister, Dr Hasan Mahmud was present as the chief guest of the programme, which was organised at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Dr Hasan Mahmud said, "Previously, the film industry was experiencing a severe crisis, now the scenario is beginning to change. We have reopened around 200 cinema halls—which had previously been shut down—for the development of the film industry."

"We have a responsibility to promote the knowledge of art and culture throughout Bangladesh. Now, we are motivating people to create new cineplexes, so that more people can enjoy the best facilities when going to theatres. A total budget of BDT 1,000 crore has been allocated for the construction of new cineplexes," continued the minister.

The Information Minister mentioned that they will avail loans for people who want to make cinema halls and that many people have already applied for this loan. "If someone wants to build a cineplex in the market, he will get a loan of up to BDT 10 crore. We will also be encouraging banks to give loans for this cause," said Dr Hasan Mahmud.

BACHSAS Awards were posthumously given to Rabeya Khatun, for special contributions to literary films; Syed Shamsul Haque, for special contributions to literary films; Ekushey Padak and Independence Award winning lyricist, Gazi Mazharul Anwar; and eminent composer and music director Alauddin Ali.

The awards were also given to fiction writer Selina Hossain, for special contributions to literature-based films; heroic freedom fighter Nasiruddin Yousuff, for special contributions to films based on the Liberation War; Liaquat Ali Lucky for outstanding contributions to cultural awakening; Anisul Hoque for special contributions to literature-based film; Masum Reza for special contributions in drama and film; Ekushey Padak winner, photojournalist and BACHSAS member Pavel Rahman; Ilias Kanchan for contributions to the film industry and road safety movement; Mozammel Babu for special contributions in TV journalism; Piplu R Khan for the film "Hasina: A Daughter's Tale"; and Habibur Rahman Khan for special contributions to film production.

Cultural personality Mamunur Rashid; composer and music director Sheikh Sadi Khan; eminent artiste Afzal Hossain and Shakib Khan also received the BACHSAS awards for their contributions to the film industry. National Film Award winning vocalists Konal and Imran Mahmudul also received the award for their contributions to the field of music.

The elected members for the 2022-24 executive council of BACHSAS are: President Raju Alim; General Secretary Rimon Mahfuz; Vice Presidents Anjan Rahman and Rashed Rain; Vice General Secretary Rahat Saiful; Finance Secretary Sahabuddin Mazumdar; Organising Secretary Shafiqul Alam Milon; International and Research Editor Rezaur Rahman Rizvi; Social Welfare and Women Affairs Editor Anjuman Ara Shilpi; Culture and Sports Editor Irani Biswas; Publicity and Publication Editor Abu Huraira Murad; and Office Editor Ahmed Tepantar Awal. The executive members are Liton Ershad, Mainul Haque Bhuiyan, Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, Liton Rahman, Anisul Haque Rashed, Aminur Rahman Liton, Ruhul Sakhawat, Shafiullah Sumon and Rafi Hossain.