Bangladesh to start importing Hindi films?

Concerning the demand to screen Hindi films in their halls, cinema hall owners sat with the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Dr Hasan Mahmud, yesterday. The meeting took place at the offices of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

"The government is willing to import 10 Hindi films every year, if the associated stakeholders of the film industry submit an application," said Dr Hasan Mahmud at the discussion.

The minister asked four associated stakeholders, namely Bangladesh Motion Picture Exhibitor Association, Bangladesh Film Directors Association, Bangladesh Film Artistes Association and Bangladesh Film Producers and Distributors Association to submit a written application to the government. He ensured that, if the applications are submitted then the government will take on initiatives concerning the matter.

Mentioning cinema halls being closed down, Dr Hasan Mahmud mentioned, "The market refinancing loan from Bangladesh Bank is applicable for cineplexes as well."

According to the minister, the market refinancing loans will have a 5 percent interest rate for establishments within the metropolitan city and a 4 percent interest rate for establishments outside the city.