5 rules set for importing Hindi films
The information and broadcasting ministry on Monday green-lighted the import of 10 Hindi films this year under certain conditions.
In a notice, it also stated that around eight more Hindi films would be imported next year.
Based on the positive response from the Ministry of Commerce, in compliance with certain conditions of the existing Import Policy Order 2021-2024, the import of films from South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) countries has been granted on an experimental basis.
The conditions are: 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 foreign films against the export of 10 Bangladeshi films in the first year; imported subcontinental language films must obtain a certificate from the Bangladesh Film Censor Board, prior to screening; and films imported under this order cannot be screened during the week of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja.
For the next two years, these regulations will have to be strictly adhered to in order for a sub-continental language film to be imported to Bangladesh.
At the same time, all the cinema halls where Hindi movies will be screened will have to run an e-ticketing system.
Many artistes have opposed the release of Hindi movies in the country,
Monowar Hossain Dipjol, producer and actor, said the consequences of the decision will be detrimental while giving the example of Nepal, whose film industry has been on the brink of destruction after allowing Hindi films to be released in their country.
Comments