A workshop held in Dhaka on Friday by the Bangladesh Cinema and Television Institute (BCTI) focused on the role of music in cinema, cultural identity and the impact of globalisation, where renowned composer Sheikh Sadi Khan said that music is essential to making films more dynamic and emotionally engaging.
The event, titled ‘Context of Cultural Homogeneity: Branding Bangladesh in Film Music’, was held at the BCTI conference room, bringing together filmmakers, musicians and media professionals to discuss how sound shapes storytelling and cultural identity in cinema.
During the session, Sheikh Sadi Khan said film music plays a vital role in driving narratives forward. “Cinema is essentially a reflection of life. Music moves the story forward and brings scenes to life,” he said.
Guest speaker Rafiqul Alam also highlighted the emotional importance of songs in films, saying music is deeply rooted in culture and helps portray emotion and situations effectively on screen.
Principal guest Helal Khan, a National Film Award-winning producer and actor, said music remains the soul of Bangladeshi cinema and stressed the need to expand the reach of Bengali music on the global stage.
The keynote paper was presented by Dr Shah Mo Nistar Jahan Kabir, who said film music is not only a form of entertainment but also a key tool for shaping cultural identity and expressing local realities.
She noted that although globalisation has expanded the influence of global sound, Bangladesh’s folk melodies, regional instruments and cultural experiences have helped create a distinct soundscape that can play an important role in international cultural branding.
Chief guest Md Yasin, additional secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said there is potential for Bangladesh to develop an international market through film and music.
The workshop was chaired by BCTI chief executive Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, who said the institute aims to develop skilled professionals for the country’s film industry.
The session concluded with an open discussion involving filmmakers, entertainment journalists and students, where participants emphasised the importance of protecting cultural identity while embracing creative development.
