Film Certification Board turns down six films over copying, quality issues
The Bangladesh Film Certification Board has rejected applications for six films produced by Monjurul Islam Megh, citing allegations of fraud and poor-quality content.
The board has also asked Megh to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him over the alleged fraud. He has been asked to submit a written explanation to the vice-chairman within seven working days of receiving the notice.
The six films are “Porinam”, directed by Moinuddin Khan; “Rongoshala”, directed by Pijush Kanti Sen; “Rokto Pipasha”, directed by Sajib Hossain; and Mejanur Rahman Labu’s “Roshu Kha”, “Paharer Artonad” and “Bondosshu”.
Megh submitted the films to the board on July 30. According to separate letters issued by the board, the films were reviewed between August 12 and 18.
During the review, the board found that “Paharer Artonad” was identical to Jomoj Vuter Golpo, which received certification in 2022. According to the board, only the producer, production company and title had been changed before the film was submitted.
The board also found that “Bondosshu” was identical to the 2023-certified film “Amar Oronno” in terms of its story, dialogues and scenes.
The board described the alleged practice as a punishable offence and sought an explanation from Megh on why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
Meanwhile, the board rejected “Porinam”, “Rongshala”, “Rokto Pipasha” and “Roshu Kha” on quality grounds.
The board cited problems with their stories, screenplays, narrative structure, word choices, dialogues and visual presentation. It also objected to what it described as irrelevant and obscene dialogues, excessive depictions of drinking and smoking, poor-quality content and low-standard filmmaking.
The board said such content would not bring anything positive to society and could instead have a harmful influence. It therefore declared the four films unsuitable for certification under Section 5(12) of the Bangladesh Film Certification Act, 2023.
Monjurul Islam Megh rejected the allegations, saying he believed the films were blocked in retaliation for his protests against alleged unethical activities.
Regarding the copying allegations, Megh said he had bought the two previously certified films and submitted them under new titles, adding that the application form had no option to disclose this. He said he would provide the relevant documents to the board.
He also alleged that the board’s letters had been circulated among people from different organisations before he received them on August 27, and claimed that the films’ directors had been threatened. He said he believed a group was deliberately targeting him.
Regarding the seven-day deadline, Megh said they were preparing their written explanation and would also appeal the decision, while taking appropriate legal action.
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