A section of the security wall of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has been demolished and leased out for a food hotel, triggering criticism and concern among film industry stakeholders.
A spot visit on Tuesday evening found that the wall on the left side of the BFDC’s main entrance, near the Karwan Bazar rail gate, had been broken to make way for the establishment. The hotel’s entrance faces the road. Officials working inside the premises declined to speak to this correspondent regarding the lease arrangement.
Allegations have surfaced that BFDC Managing Director Masuma Rahman Tani approved the move in violation of rules. Film directors, producers and several officials of the institution have expressed anger, fearing that the development could pose a security risk to the premises.
However, the Managing Director defended the decision, claiming that humanitarian considerations were given priority.
Speaking to The TIMES of Bangladesh, she said the space had been leased to ‘Kalu’s Hotel’, known for its signature beef ‘kala bhuna’. According to her, the eatery’s previous location was recently demolished, prompting the owner to seek permission from the BFDC authorities.
“On humanitarian grounds, we allowed him to set up the hotel here,” she said, adding that the lease was not granted free of cost and that BFDC would receive monthly rent from the arrangement.
Tani further argued that the new establishment does not compromise BFDC’s security.
“We examined the matter carefully. There is no way to enter the FDC through the hotel. Rather, many outsiders used to scale the wall from the Karwan Bazar side and enter the premises. As our security staff are limited in number, we asked them to keep watch on the matter,” she said.
She also claimed that several directors and producers had earlier informed her that they were struggling to arrange proper meals during shooting schedules after the previous hotel was evicted. Their concerns, she said, were taken into consideration while approving the lease.
Nevertheless, critics remain unconvinced. Former General Secretary of the Directors’ Association Badiul Alam Khokon termed the move “regrettable,” noting that BFDC is a designated Key Point Installation (KPI) area.
“Breaking the security wall of a KPI area to build a hotel is unfortunate. If she says it was done on humanitarian grounds, I would call it ignorance. Perhaps she does not know what is permissible in a KPI-designated zone,” he said.
Producer leader Khorshed Alam Khosru also criticised the decision, saying the construction has marred the aesthetic appeal of the premises.
Veteran actor Ujjal of the 1980s echoed similar concerns, calling the move a violation of rules and expressing hope that the authorities would look into the matter.
“It has come to my attention. I have not yet seen it directly. If this has indeed happened, it is unfortunate because it constitutes a violation of the rules. I hope the authorities will look into the matter,” he said.
