Censor Board to be reconstituted as Film Certification Board: Adviser Nahid

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced plans to reconstitute the existing Censor Board into a new Film Certification Board. This change comes in response to ongoing discussions and criticisms surrounding censorship in the film sector.

Nahid Islam, adviser to the Ministry, revealed the development during a briefing today at the Secretariat.

He explained that the transition to a Film Certification Board is being made in accordance with the Bangladesh Film Certification Act of 2023, which had been gazetted but lacked accompanying rules until now.

Nahid noted that the previous Censor Board, established under the 1963 law, was intended as a temporary measure to avoid financial losses in the industry while awaiting the new certification framework. "With the 2023 law now in place, we are moving away from the term 'censor' and will establish the Certification Board in line with this new legislation," he said.

Today's meeting focused on addressing the outdated aspects of the 1963 law and the need for the new rules. The reconstituted board will aim to expedite the certification process for films pending release, ensuring that the industry remains dynamic and responsive to contemporary standards.

Adviser Nahid also addressed the shift from censorship to certification, highlighting that the change is driven by long-standing demands from film industry professionals who have opposed censorship. The new framework is designed to facilitate ongoing film production while addressing industry concerns and ensuring regulatory compliance.