After nearly seven years of stagnation, the Bangladesh Film Producers and Distributors Association is finally set to hold its long-awaited election. The vote is scheduled for July 11 at the FDC, with the election commission having already announced the schedule, sparking renewed energy among producers.
According to the announced timetable, the preliminary voter list will be published on May 21. Members will have until May 11 to clear dues and renew their memberships.
One of the most significant changes this time is the abolition of the ‘general power of attorney’ practice. Previously, producers who had made multiple films could use multiple authorizations to secure extra voting rights. Under the new rules, regardless of how many films a producer has made, each individual will be counted as a single voter. This change is expected to bring greater transparency and balance to the voting process.
As per the association’s regulations, a producer becomes eligible to vote four years after a film receives clearance from the censor board. This year, the number of eligible voters is expected to be between 150 and 160.
For the presidential post, Khorshed Alam Khosru and Ashraf Uddin Ahmed (actor Ujjal) are likely contenders, with both names already circulating in election discussions.
Khorshed Alam Khosru described the organisation of the election after such a long gap as a positive development, noting that members will once again have the opportunity to choose their leadership through a democratic process. While his panel has yet to be finalized, he said discussions are ongoing with colleagues to form a viable team. He also pointed out that running as an independent candidate has made participation more open.
Meanwhile, producer Mohammad Iqbal has announced that he will contest the post of Assistant General Secretary (AGS). Expressing his intention to run independently, he said he hopes to contribute to the development of the association if elected.
Director Badiul Alam Khokon said the election is both timely and essential. In his view, producers are the driving force of the film industry—from production and investment to distribution and marketing. A stronger association, he believes, will help revitalize the entire industry.
