With renewed cultural environment, Rashid Palash seeks censor for ‘Rongbazar’

Two years ago, Rashid Palash finished filming "Rongbazar", a project that explores the dark and sensitive history of Narayanganj's brothel, Tanbazar. Despite completing the film, Palash hesitated to submit it to the censor board, fearing the repercussions of its controversial subject matter. 

"The film is based on true events," Palash says, reflecting on his concerns. "Many films on similar sensitive topics have been stuck in the censor board. I was afraid mine would suffer the same fate. Although I didn't exaggerate anything, the fear of rejection loomed large, as they say, 'Once burned, twice shy.'"

The film revolves around Tanbazar in Narayanganj — a brothel complex with 2,000 rooms. The brothel was however demolished in one night in July 1999. 

In 2022, Rashid Polash directed "Rongbazar" produced by Live Technology and written by Golam Rabbani based on this incident. It stars Shampa Reza, Naznin Chumki, Mousumi Hamid, Tanzika Amin, Jannatul Peya, and Lutfur Rahman George, among others. 

Regarding the delay in submitting the film to the censor board, Rashid Polash told Bangla Tribune that, "The film is based on a true story. Films on such topics have repeatedly faced bans from the censor board. I was also afraid because the story is sensitive. Although I haven't shown anything exaggerated, you know what they say - 'Once bitten, twice shy'."

The filmmaker believes that "the situation in the country has changed now so I hope there won't be any more problems."

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Rashid Polash intends to release the film this September. He also mentioned that he will submit the film for certification next week with that goal in mind.