I have been deprived: Gias Uddin Selim

'Operation Jackpot', run by the Bengali naval commandos during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971, was able to make a huge mark within a short span of time in the war—by undertaking multiple operations. This was the first operation launched by the naval commandos on August 15, 1971.

The operation marked an important place in the history of Bangladesh. Based on real-life events, noted filmmaker Gias Uddin Selim grabbed the opportunity to bring light to this historical operation, through a visual medium. The director initially received approval for the project in 2017, upon submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Shipping.

The film was budgeted around BDT 23,23,35,000, which was finalised under the banner of Ashirbad Films. However, it made headlines when the film's tender was handed over to Kibria Films, with the project now set to be directed by Delwar Jahan Jhantu.

In conversation with The Daily Star, Gias Uddin Selim opened up about this situation.

"I began working on the script of 'Operation Jackpot' from 2017," shared the "Monpura" director. "The project was initially under the authority of the Shipping Ministry, where State Minister for Shipping, Shahjahan Khan, MP; State Minister for Cultural Affairs, Asaduzzaman Noor, MP; State Minister for Information, Hasanul Haq Inu, MP, and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, AKM Mozammel Haque, MP, jointly handed over the project to me as the script writer and director."

After receiving funds, Selim formed a team to thoroughly research the background of 'Operation Jackpot'. He visited the venues where the operations took place, interviewed around 80 naval commandos—who directly participated in the missions. "Since the topic is based on such an important historical event, all the sources have to be authentic," he added. "It took me almost two years to complete the script."

The project, further, was initiated by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and a committee was formed to evaluate the scripts—where Morshedul Islam, Nasir Uddin Yusuff and Junaid Halim, were made the members.

"Since my script was already complete, they included me in the committee as well, to ensure everything was being supervised neutrally." The "Gunin" director also informed The Daily Star that the script was approved by that committee as well.

To follow the code of conduct, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs decided to open applications through the procedure of a tender. Here, Selim submitted his work, along with other applicants. Later, Selim would be dropped from the project, with the reasoning being that he was involved in the evaluation committee. Thus, the film would be handed over to Kibria Films, with Delwar Jahan Jhantu being selected as the director for the project.

"I am not upset because the project was taken away from me. I would be happy and proud if someone more skilful than me gets the opportunity to direct it," explained Selim. However, he feels deprived and senses some sort of manipulation, that hampered the overall situation.

"Two of the most important factors about this project was technology transfer and about branding Bangladesh," asserted the director of "Beautiful Bangladesh" (Land of Rivers)—an acclaimed project made for the country's tourism segment. "My question is how would they work on these factors, in such a short time now?"

Reportedly the shooting of "Operation Jackpot" will begin from February.

Selim also expressed concerns that the fund he already received from the government is from the tax contributions of the general public. Therefore, people should have the right to ask where their money is being invested.

"Involving renowned personalities in evaluating the script, and spending such an amount of money already in the project, which is being dropped due to a simple tender process, is ambiguous," shared the director.

Selim also informed us that, if necessary, he will take legal action, as he did not feel right about the verdict. "As a citizen I have the constitutional right to raise my voice against injustice," he concluded.

The Daily Star is also trying to reach out to other parties involved.