The government has been providing film grants since 1976. Although the process was irregular in the early years, grants have been awarded annually since the late 1990s. What began as an allocation of Tk1 lakh has gradually increased, with grants now reaching up to a maximum of Tk75 lakh.
In addition to full-length features, short films are also eligible for funding. Despite long-standing criticism of the selection process, both emerging and established filmmakers apply every year.
On January 8, a notification signed by Sharmin Akhtar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, invited proposals for grants for the 2025–26 financial year. Under the scheme, the government will fund 12 full-length films and 20 short films.
While the terms and conditions remain largely unchanged from last year, the deadline has become a major point of contention. Applications must be submitted by January 29, leaving applicants with just 22 days.
Filmmakers argue that the timeframe is insufficient. New director Sikder Diamond, who was preparing to apply with a documentary project, told The TIMES of Bangladesh on Tuesday that the application process requires extensive paperwork.
“Applicants must submit 12 sets of documents, including the script, bank statements, membership certificates and trade licences. Most producers do not keep these ready in advance and begin organising them only after the notification is issued. 22 days is far too short, and many will be unable to apply this year,” he said.
An analysis of grant notifications from the past four financial years shows that they were typically issued in late August, with deadlines set for October 31. In many cases, the submission period was extended by one or two weeks, giving applicants up to two and a half months to prepare.
Director Khandaker Suman also expressed frustration, noting that while experienced applicants might manage, new filmmakers would struggle under the current timeline.
Some producers have also claimed that the notification was issued late and lacked sufficient publicity. However, Deputy Secretary Sharmin Akhtar dismissed these claims. “The notice was published on January 9 in Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and Amar Desh,” she said.
Explaining the short deadline, she said the grant policy does not specify a minimum notification period and that the timeline was set to ensure the process is completed within the current fiscal year.
