The Bangladesh Film Certification Board has issued a clarification regarding misleading news and social media “photocards” claiming that films containing smoking scenes would be ineligible for National Awards.
The board stated that these reports, which went viral, were based on a “misleading headline” and a misrepresentation of guest speakers’ comments.
The issue stems from a discussion meeting held on 25 February 2026 at Tathya Bhaban, titled “Implementation of laws in controlling smoking scenes in films: What those concerned should do.”
The event was jointly organised by the Madakdrobyo o Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) and the Bangladesh Film Certification Board.
According to the board, the suggestion to withhold awards was merely a personal proposal made by one speaker during the session.
The primary focus of the meeting was to exchange views on the proper implementation of tobacco control laws, discouraging smoking scenes in films, dramas, and OTT content, and protecting children and adolescents.
The board clarified that no decision was made to disqualify films with smoking scenes from National Awards. Furthermore, it emphasised that neither the meeting participants nor the certification board possesses the legal authority to make such a decision.
The Bangladesh Film Certification Board operates strictly under specific laws and regulations and cannot bypass its established guidelines.
The board also noted that the remarks of its Vice Chairman were misrepresented in the reports. The vice chairman did not state that the board would “take steps to stop smoking scenes in cinema.”
Instead, his actual statement was that the “Certification Bboard will play its proper role in complying with the laws and regulations regarding smoking scenes in cinema.”
The confusion originated from a misleading press release and the misrepresentation of statements by MANAS.
The certification board has expressed a “strong protest” regarding the matter and stated it would be more cautious in the future. Meanwhile, MANAS has admitted its mistake and issued a fresh press release.
