Bangladeshi cinema’s past, present and future took centre stage at Film Directors’ Day on Wednesday, as the Bangladesh Film Directors Association marked its 45th anniversary with a celebration of the industry’s filmmakers and their contributions.
Held at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), the programme featured a poster exhibition, tributes to industry veterans, cultural performances and discussions on the future of cinema.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman attended as chief guest. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman and State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury also joined the event.
The celebration opened with the release of pigeons, symbolising peace. Association president Shaheen Suman delivered the welcome address, while general secretary Shahin Kabir Tutul was also present.
A walk through cinema’s history
The entrance to BFDC featured posters of renowned directors, musicians, lyricists, composers and landmark films. The exhibition brought together timeless classics and notable releases from the past decade.
Among the posters were those of Alor Michil, Jibon Theke Neya, Epar Opar, Aguner Alo, Nawab Sirajuddaulah, Ekhoni Shomoy, Chandni and Chetana. Recent releases included Shakib Khan-starrer Priyotoma, directed by Himel Ashraf, and Rajkumar and Chuye Dile Mon, starring Arifin Shuvoo and directed by Shihab Shaheen.
The display connected the industry’s celebrated past with its more recent work, giving visitors a glimpse of the films that have shaped Bangladeshi cinema.
Honouring the industry’s veterans
The association honoured prominent figures for their contributions to film and culture. The recipients included producer and actor Kazi Hayat, media personality and Impress Telefilm and Channel i managing director Faridur Reza Sagar, Sohel Rana, film directors A J Mintu and Dr Matin Rahman, Delwar Jahan Jhantu, Abu Musa Debu, Mohiuddin Shaker, lyricists Mohammad Rafiquzzaman and Abul Khair Bulbul, and Awkat Hossain.
Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin also received a special honour. Guests presented the awards to the recipients.
Suman said the initiative aimed to reconnect the current generation with the directors of the past. He noted that their work had played an important role in advancing Bangladeshi cinema.
Tutul said many people who enriched the industry had not received national recognition, while others had. He expressed hope that the association would observe Film Directors’ Day every year on August 3, the release date of Mukh O Mukhosh.
Calls for a stronger film industry
The speeches centred on cinema’s social influence and the need to revitalise the industry.
Andaleeve Rahman described films as a powerful medium for changing people’s mindsets. He said the messages of past films stayed with audiences and urged filmmakers to produce quality cinema that reflects contemporary society.
The minister highlighted drug abuse and discrimination as social challenges. He said filmmakers could help guide society through these crises and called for collective efforts to restore Bangladeshi cinema’s former glory.
Yasser Khan Choudhury said the government was preparing short-, medium- and long-term plans to give fresh impetus to the film industry. He said the Prime Minister had instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive development plan outlining the necessary measures, implementation strategies and government support.
The state minister said the plan would cover BFDC and the wider film industry, including institutions and offices connected to cinema. He added that experienced filmmakers and industry professionals would play a central role in its development.
Zahed Ur Rahman said the government would prepare a roadmap for modernising the film sector and building its infrastructure through discussions with stakeholders. He also spoke of his personal interest in filmmaking, saying he had once wanted to become a filmmaker himself.
Music and memories
The cultural segment featured a dance performance by actress Dighi, while singer Konal performed songs. At the request of guests and the audience, Sabina Yasmin also took to the stage.
Recalling her connection with BFDC, Sabina said she had recorded there every day as a child. She credited film directors with helping her become the singer she is today and recalled the thousands of timeless songs created at the institution.
BFDC managing director Masuma Rahman Tani, along with filmmakers, producers, actors, technicians, journalists and other cultural figures, also attended the programme.
