PM Sheikh Hasina hands over National Film Awards 2020

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed the National Film Awards 2020 to 32 winners in 27 categories on Wednesday. She attended the event virtually as its chief guest from her Ganabhaban residence in the capital. The Ministry of Information announced the recipients of the National Film Awards 2020 on 15 February. 
The award ceremony was held at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre, and Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud presented the awards to the recipients on behalf of the Prime Minister. 

"I could not be at the award ceremony because of Covid-19. I feel disheartened for not being able to attend in person," said Sheikh Hasina. The PM also shared her love for Bangladeshi films. "I cannot go to cinema halls in person, but I always watch Bangladeshi movies when I am flying." 

During the ceremony, The Prime Minister also announced that she will be allocating Tk 1,000 crore for the development of the film industry.

"It is now the age of information technology. The cinema industry was analogue, which I want to digitise," she said.  "I want to build cinema halls or cineplex with modern amenities at district and upazila levels." 

The award ceremony was hosted by popular actors Ferdous and Purnima, and included cultural performances by Dighi, Tama Mirza, Puja Chery, Emon and Saimon. Actors Aruna Biswas, Rozina and Anjana performed choreographed dance routines on stage. 

Anwara Begum and Raisul Islam Asad have been jointly honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Her daughter Romana Islam Mukti accepted the award on her behalf as the actor could not attend the award ceremony due to health issues. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed concern for Anwara Begum and wished for her "quick recovery."

Gazi Rakayet's 'Gor' (The Grave), and Chayanika Chowdhury's 'Bishwoshundori' have jointly bagged the Best Film Award.

Siam Ahmed received the award for Best Actor (male) for the film 'Bishwoshundori', while Deepanwita Martin has been awarded as the Best Actor (female) for 'Gor'. 

Deepanwita Martin won Best actor (Female) for her performance in "Gor." Photo: PID

Gazi Rakayet received Best Director for the Government Funded Film 'Gor'. 

'Bangabandhur Rajnoitik Jibon o Bangladesher Obbhyudoy', directed by Syed Ashique Rahman, was awarded Best Documentary.

Misha Sawdagor won the award for Best Antagonist for his role in 'Bir'. 

Fazlur Rahman Babu received the award for Best Supporting Actor (Male) for his performance in 'Bishwoshundori'. Aparna Ghose won the award for Best Supporting Actor (Female) for 'Gondi'.

Mugdhota Morshed Wriddhi received the award for Best Child Artist for her performance in 'Gondi'. 

Belal Khan received the award for Best Music Director for his track 'Bishshash Jodi Jayre' from 'Hridoy Jurey'.

Imran Mahmudul received the Best Playback Singer Award (Male). Dilshad Nahar Kona and Somnur Monir Konal have jointly bagged the Best Playback Singer Award (Female). Somnur also landed an award for her song 'Bhalobashar Manush Tumi' from the film 'Bir.'

Imran and Kona received an award for their duet 'Tui Ki Amar Hobi Re' from the film 'Bishwoshundori'. 

The other notable winners are: 

• Best Choreographer - (Late) Md Sahidur Rahman 

• Best Short film - Aarong

• Best Lyricist - Kabir Bakul  

• Best Story and Screenplay - Gazi Rakayet 

• Best Dialogue - Fakhrul Arefeen Khan 

• Best Editor - Shariful Islam 

• Best Art Direction - Uttam Kumar Guha 

• Best Cinematography - Pankaj Palit and Mahbub Ullah Niaz 

• Best Sound Recording - Kazi Selim Ahmed 

• Best Costume Design - Enamtara Begum 

• Best Make-up - Mohammad Ali Babul

• Best Composer - Md Mahmudul Haque Imran