At a time when the cinema industry is facing a steady stream of discouraging news, there is some welcome development on the exhibition front. Three new cinema halls are set to open this year, including two new branches of Star Cineplex in Narayanganj and Bogura, and a first single-screen theatre in Shariatpur.
Speaking to TIMES regarding this matter, Star Cineplex senior manager for marketing, Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, said, “Construction work is currently under way at Simanta Tower in Jalkurdi, Narayanganj. The new complex will feature three screens and is expected to open around the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.”
“At the same time, work is progressing on another Star Cineplex branch at Police Plaza in Bogra. This venue will have two screens and is also scheduled to open later this year,” he added.
Addressing the apparent contradiction between the opening of new theatres and the overall decline in cinema halls nationwide, Ahmed said Star Cineplex had previously announced plans to launch 100 screens across the country. He explained that the Narayanganj and Bogura projects were initiated some time ago, but completion was delayed due to various challenges.
Mesbah informed that the current focus is on opening halls in major cities, with plans to gradually expand into district and upazila-level locations in the future.
Meanwhile, construction of Padma Cineplex, located near the Padma Bridge South Police Station in Jajira, Shariatpur, is nearing completion. The owner, Mohammad Iqbal, said, “The single-screen hall is around 90 percent complete and is expected to open by Eid-ul-Azha.”
He noted that the area currently lacks any single-screen cinema, prompting the initiative to meet local audience demand.
Awlad Hossain Ujjal, president of the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association, said interest among new investors in opening cinema halls remains strong.
However, many are currently waiting for the election process to conclude. “If the overall situation in the country improves, not just these three but at least ten new cineplexes could open, as far as I know,” Ujjal said.
