Farooki’s plight for Censor Board clearance continues

On January 21, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's "Saturday Afternoon" (Shonibar Bikel) finally received a verbal clearance from the Bangladesh Film Censor Board, after being stuck in limbo for four long years.

However, the film has not received the official clearance letter, which will let Farooki go about planning the theatrical release of the movie—which he wants to happen before "Faraaz" comes out this February 3.

Once again taking to his official Facebook, Farooki demanded for the clearance letter, saying, "I know many government officials who are professional, responsible, and honest.  I would like to believe that there are many such officials in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Censor Board. We would like to call upon such officials to show their professionalism. After the Appellate Committee announced its decision in regards to the release of 'Saturday Afternoon', illegally delaying the official censor clearance letter not only brings under question the professionalism of those involved, but also puts into scrutiny the image of the country."

"Yesterday, we wrote a letter to the Censor Board, demanding for the certificate to be handed over quickly. We also informed them that, in light of the decision taken by the Appellate Committee on January 21, we have taken all measures to release the film on February 3. Therefore, I would request for the certificate to be handed over swiftly, without further complicating the situation. I am uncertain if there is anyone sensible in the government, who can tell the Censor Board that this issue is tarnishing our government's image," concluded Farooki.