Govt allows import of foreign films on conditions

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved the import of films made in the languages of Indian subcontinent ( India, Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) on five conditions including export of films made by Bangladesh.

An office order signed by Information and Broadcasting Ministry Deputy Secretary (Films) Saiful Islam was issued in this regard on Tuesday.

However, maximum 10 movies will be allowed to be imported in the first year against export of 10 movies, said the order.

The order said, the information and broadcasting ministry gave nod to import films from SAFTA member countries after consulting with commerce ministry following an appeal by regarding import of films from SAFTA countries by Sammilita Chalachchitra Parishad. subject to the following conditions:

• 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 films against the export of ten Bangladeshi films in the first year
• Imported subcontinental language films must obtain a certificate from the Bangladesh Film Censor Board, prior to screening
• Films imported under this order cannot be screened during the week of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja.