The Bangladesh Film Certification Board has raised objections to six films produced by Monjurul Islam Megh and rejected their applications for certification.
The board has also asked the producer to explain in writing why disciplinary action should not be taken against him over allegations of deception.
The films on the board’s objection list are Porinam, Rangshala, Rokto Pipasha, Rasu Khan, Paharer Artonad and Bonodossu.
The films were directed by Moinuddin Khan, Pijush Kanti Sen, Sajib Hossain and Mejanur Rahman Labu.
According to the information available, Megh applied for certification of all six films on 30 July. The board reviewed the films on different dates in August.
Following the screenings, it found significant similarities between two of the films and previously certified productions.
According to the board’s observations, Paharer Artonad is an exact match with Jomoj Bhooter Golpo, which received certification in 2022.
The board alleged that the earlier film was submitted again under a new title after changing the producer and production company details.
A similar allegation has been made against Bonodossu. The board said its story, dialogue and scenes are identical to those of Amar Aranya, which received certification in 2023.
The certification board has treated the matter as an act of deception and asked Megh to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
He has been instructed to submit a written explanation to the board’s vice chairman within seven working days.
The board has also expressed dissatisfaction with the other four films—Porinam, Rangshala, Rokto Pipasha and Rasu Khan.
It described various aspects of the productions, including their stories, screenplays, dialogues, visual presentation and narrative structure, as being of poor quality.
The board further noted the presence of inappropriate and obscene dialogue, as well as excessive scenes involving alcohol consumption and smoking.
It also raised concerns about the overall production quality, saying the films could have a negative impact on audiences rather than convey a positive message.
Citing Section 5(12) of the Certification Act 2023, the board declared all six films unsuitable for public exhibition.
However, producer Monjurul Islam Megh has rejected the board’s decision. He claimed that personal disputes and retaliation were behind the rejection of his films.
“I have been working in the film industry for a long time. It does not seem normal to me that all six of my films were blocked at the same time. I and several others have been protesting against some unethical activities. I believe I have become a victim of retaliation because of that,” Megh said.
Regarding the allegations of copying, he said he had purchased the two previously certified films and later changed their titles before submitting them to the board as his own productions.
According to Megh, there was no provision in the application form to disclose that he had purchased the earlier films.
He said he would provide the necessary documents and explain the matter in response to the board’s query.
The producer also alleged that information about the board’s decision had been circulated before he officially received the letter.
He claimed that although he received the letter on 27 August, people from various organisations had learned about the matter beforehand.
He further alleged that the directors involved had also been threatened.
Megh said he was preparing his response within the deadline set by the board and would also appeal against the decision to block the films.
“We are preparing our response and will submit the written explanation within the stipulated time. There is also an opportunity to appeal, and we will pursue that process as well. If necessary, we will take further legal steps,” he said.
The next decision now rests with the Bangladesh Film Certification Board after it receives and reviews the producer’s written explanation.
