Cinema halls and multiplexes across Bangladesh will remain open despite the government’s renewed directive requiring shopping malls, markets and retail shops to close by 7pm as part of electricity-saving measures.
The government recently reinstated the earlier restriction after temporarily allowing shopping centres to remain open until 10pm during the Eid shopping season. The move had raised concerns among moviegoers, particularly as several multiplexes operate inside shopping malls.
However, industry stakeholders have confirmed that cinema halls and cineplexes are not included in the closure order and will continue operating as usual throughout the Eid holidays.
Speaking to the TIMES of Bangladesh, Star Cineplex Chief Marketing Officer Mesbah Uddin Ahmed said movie screenings would continue until late at night despite the shopping mall shutdown.
“Even if shopping malls close at 7pm, cinema halls will remain open until after 11pm. We have received an official letter from the Ministry of Information regarding the matter. Therefore, audiences will face no obstacles in watching Eid releases at Star Cineplex or any other multiplex,” he said.
The clarification comes at a crucial time for the local film industry, as Eid-ul-Azha is traditionally one of the biggest periods for cinema attendance and box office earnings.
Film Exhibitors Association President Awlad Hossain Ujjal said the industry had proactively sought an exemption from the government before Eid.
“We submitted an application to the Ministry of Information requesting that cinema halls and cineplexes be kept outside the scope of the shopping mall closure decision. The ministry approved our request through an official response,” he said.
Ujjal added that moviegoers need not worry about accessing theatres located within shopping complexes, as those venues will continue their regular operations.
The decision is expected to provide relief to both exhibitors and filmmakers, who are counting on strong audience turnout during the Eid holiday season. With the exemption now officially confirmed, cinema halls and multiplexes are set to continue screening Eid releases without disruption.
