The Bangladesh Chalachchitra Sanskar Roadmap has put forward seven demands, calling for transparency and accountability in the government’s film grant process.
The statement came in response to intense controversy and criticism surrounding the Film Grant Committe under the Ministry of Information, which recently published list of film grants for the 2024–25 fiscal year, with the organisation alleging bias and lack of transparency in the evaluation process.
They claimed that the selection was based solely on pitching sessions lasting between two and three minutes, without the use of any rubric or any written scoring criteria.
Additionally, the organisation criticised the dominance of bureaucrats over film professionals in jury boards and other committees, saying it disregards the real needs of the industry.
They particularly raised concerns over conflicts of interest, pointing out that several committee members themselves were recipients of the grants — a practice they described as ethically questionable. While the legal framework may not clearly prohibit it, they argued that it goes against principles of good governance.
Their demands include: Publication of final scores and the grant list, the introduction of an appeal system, barring applicants from serving on selection committees, establishing clear scoring guidelines, increasing representation of film professionals, and reducing bureaucratic control.
Chalachchitra Sanskar Roadmap stated that, to ensure real progress in the country’s film industry, the grant process must be credible, fair, and inclusive. They expressed hope that the government will act promptly to resolve the controversy and pave the way for the industry’s development.
However, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting responded to the allegations, deeming them to be “baseless and misleading” and clarified the procedures followed in awarding government film grants.
In an official statement, the ministry affirmed that the selection of films for grants was conducted in accordance with the Government Grants for Full-length and Short-length Film Production Policy, 2025.
As per the policy, two separate committees were formed: The Full-length Film Selection and Supervision Committee and the Short-length Film Selection and Supervision Committee.
Each of these committees comprised 11 members, including five individuals with expertise in film.
Following the selection process, the police constituted a Film Grant Committee, which would be responsible for evaluating the recommended stories, screenplays, and applications.
The ministry emphasised that all selections were made with “complete impartiality” and within the framework of the policy.