BFCB Emphasized to Promote Anti-tobacco Documentaries in Films
– MANAS, BFCB organized join meeting
Bangladesh Film Certification Board (BFCB) ensures that they will emphasize the proper implementation of the TC law during the censor clearance of films. Instead of smoking scenes in films, the directors, producers, artists, and related parties will work together to deliver educational messages to the next generation through anti-tobacco documentaries. BFCB Vice-Chairman assured it in a discussion meeting titled ‘Role of Film Certification Board members to Overseeing Tobacco Control law in Movies’ jointly organized by MANAS and BFCB at the Information Building on October 24, 2024.
Md. Abdul Jalil, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Film Certification Board was present as the chief guest at the meeting. He said, BFCB will ensure that there will be no smoking scenes in the promotional materials of films like posters, trailers, treasure etc. To sensitize people and relevant stakeholders about the harmful effects of smoking, an initiative will be taken from BFCB to show anti-tobacco/smoking documentaries at the beginning, interval and end of the film. He also called for a positive change in the value system to avoid smoking and drug use in the production process of the films.
The program was chaired by the MANAS President Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury. Dilip Kumar Banik, Managing Director (Addl. Secretary), Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, Kazi Hayat, President of Bangladesh Film Directors Association, Zakir Hossain Raju, Film Producer, Zahid Hossain, Film Editor, Iqbal Ehsanul Kabir, Film Editor, Kazi Nowshaba Ahmed Actress and Film Certification Board Member, Tasmia Afrin Mou Film Producer, Syed Mahbubul Alam, Senior Technical Advisor of Vital Strategies, Abu Hena Mostafa Zaman, Addl. Secretary (Public Security Department), Ministry of Home Affairs, Md. Moinuddin, Deputy Director of the Film Certification Road, Redwan Rony, CEO of OTT platform Chorki, Rafiqul Anwar Russell, film director and producer were present and gave speeches in the meeting. Umme Jannat, Project Coordinator of MANAS presented the keynote and Abu Rayhan Senior Project and Communication Officer of MANAS moderated the meeting. Representatives of Prakriti O Jibon Foundation, Tobacco Control and Research Cell-DIU, Grambangla Unnayan Committee, Aid Foundation, WBB Trust, NATAB, DAS, Avian Center, and PAW Foundation were present in the meeting.
In the main article presentation, said that the Smoking and Tobacco Use (Control) Act prohibits the advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products and the promotion and display of tobacco use scenes in movies and dramas. Although prohibited by the law, smoking scenes are being shown by the main characters in movies, posters, thumbnails and trailers. Highlighting Manas’ research data, she also said that smoking scenes are being seen in the contents broadcast on OTT platforms. She recommended taking measures in the light of international experience to control smoking and tobacco consumption scenes in the draft OTT policy.
Ad. Syed Mahbubul Alam said, cigarette companies are inciting our teenagers to smoke! In addition, the wrong message is being given to the rising youth in society by showing cigarettes to celebrities in dramas and movies. People should be given healthy entertainment through films. He also called on everyone to come forward to comply with state laws.
Founding President of Manas, Professor Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury said, there is no alternative to awareness to ensure healthy living among people. For this, proper implementation of the law is necessary, which will help in achieving the tobacco-free target. He sought everyone’s cooperation to ensure a drug and tobacco-free future generation.
Representatives of Prakriti O Jiban Foundation, Tobacco Control and Research Cell, Grambangla Unnayan Committee, Aid Foundation, WBB Trust, NATB, DAS, Avian Center, and PAW Foundation were present in the meeting.
