Floors of BFDC to be demolished
The third and fourth floors of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) are set to be demolished to make way for a new, fifteen-storeyed building.
"This project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council on October 3, 2018, in an attempt to modernise the BFDC," says K M Ayub Ali, Director, Technical and Engineering Department, BFDC.
The new building will be comprised of an auditorium, a residential hotel, shooting spots, a cinema theatre, a bank and a food court. It will also have offices for insurance organisations, film producers and television channels, along with a three-storeyed parking lot in the basement.
"We are not building a shopping mall. We have conceptualised the project, keeping the development of our film industry in mind. It is a good decision from a financial standpoint as well," added Ayub. "We hope to start the construction by the end of this year."
While many from the industry opposed this decision, others showed their support.
"The government is faced with huge losses, and that is why I support this decision," shares actor and Member of the Parliament Farooque. "Nevertheless, I believe that we can use the new building to pay tribute to our actors and directors in some way. I hope the authorities will consult us before proceeding with the plan."
Actor Rozina, who was at a loss for words upon receiving the news, talked about her memories at the BFDC. "My first hit film, Rajmahal, was shot in the fourth floor," she shares. "I visited the place just recently, but I won't have the chance to do so anymore."
"This is not a crucial step for the development of the film industry," said noted actor Uzzal. "Icons like Razzak, Farooque, Shabana and many others started out on these grounds. The authorities could have found an alternative way."
"I don't understand why anyone would deem it necessary to tear down such a traditional part of our industry," adds actor Ilias Kanchan.
Earlier, the BFDC had a total of nine floors. The fifth floor, a storage area, was torn down. Currently, it has five floors, excluding the sixth floor, which is used for storing lighting equipment.
"The BFDC has been subsidised for many years. I believe that the new building will pave the way for several benefits for the institution. We should appreciate this change," shares actor Riaz.
"It is difficult to see that the BFDC, a place with so much history, will lose its essence now. However, I hope that something good comes out of this change," adds Badiul Alam Khokon, General Secretary, Bangladesh Film Directors' Association.
The new building will cost an estimated BDT 320 crores for construction.
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