Indian Bangla films get clearance
Bangladesh's Ministry of Information has permitted the import and distribution of four Indian Bangla films on Thursday. The films are 'Bhaijaan Elo Re,' 'Sultan: The Saviour,' 'Piya Re' and 'Fida.' The importers can submit these films to the censor board and these can be distributed in Bangladeshi theatres.
Jeet and Mim starring 'Sultan: The Saviour' was supposed to be released on July 6 according to its importer and distributor Jaaz Multimedia. As the Information Ministry took time to release the clearance letter, the release of film got delayed. They are also the importers of the films- 'Piya Re' and 'Fida.'
'Bhaijaan Elo Re,' starring Shakib Khan and Indian actors Srabanti and Payel and imported by NU traders, is also slated to release on July 20 but the film is yet to acquire censor clearance. These films' release in Bangladesh during Eid-ul-Fitr was barred due to a recent ruling issued by the Bangladesh High Court.
The ruling came from High Court judges Salma Masud and AKM Jahirul Haque following a writ petition filed by producer Selina Begum against 'Chittagainga Poa, Noakhailla Maiya.' The ruling stated that release of imported or co-production films is illegal during national holidays like Eid and Pohela Boishakh.
The High Court also issued a rule stating "Why releasing a foreign or co-production film won't be illegal during Eid vacation?" and demanded an answer from the Secretary and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and the Vice Chairman of the film censor board within four weeks before Eid-ul-Fitr.
These films are being imported under the South Asian Free Trade Area (Safta) treaty.
