Bangladesh Puts Limit on Import of Indian Films; Issues 5-Point Guideline

New Delhi: The Bangladesh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a 5-point guideline for the import of films made in the languages of  ‘the Indian subcontinent’ on a limited scale.

The guideline for the import of films from the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) countries was issued based on the application of Sammilita Chalachitra Parishad with the consent of the Finance Ministry under its import policy rules of 202-24.

The guidelines stipulate that the films produced in the languages of the Indian sub-continent can be imported by legitimate film producers and distributors. The imported films should have subtitles and they can be imported against export on an experimental basis for two years. The film producers may import 10 films based on the export of 10 films from Bangladesh in the first year.

The films must obtain a certificate for exhibition in Bangladesh from the Bangladesh Censor Board before they are shown in cinema halls. The guideline also stipulates that the films imported under this order can not be exhibited during the week of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and Durga Puja.

The response to the government guidelines to import films from India has been mixed. While some film personalities have opposed it saying it will adversely impact the films made in Bangladesh, common people are happy as Indian movies are greatly popular in Bangladesh. People watch Indian movies and TV serials over the OTT platforms, TV, and the internet in the country.