Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today inaugurated of the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival at the National Museum Auditorium at Shahbagh. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Jan 10, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has urged concerned to avoid excessive lighting and the use of single-use plastics during international film festivals.

"In a world often marked by conflict and division, culture can serve as a bridge between people," she told the inauguration of the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival at the National Museum Auditorium at Shahbagh in the capital.

Rizwana, also adviser to Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources, said, "International film festivals strengthen cultural bonds, providing opportunities for individuals to understand each other through shared aspirations, values and knowledge exchange."

Noting that, for the first time, the festival films are also being screened in Cox's Bazar, the adviser described the development as encouraging but emphasized the need for caution and collective attention to environmental protection.

The adviser suggested that, to reach a wider audience, such festivals could also be organized at divisional levels outside Dhaka. She inquired whether any of the domestic or international films being screened focus on environmental themes and urged the organizers to include at least a few environmentally themed films. She wished the festival overall success.

Organized by the Rainbow Film Society with the slogan "Aesthetic Films, Thoughtful Audience, Enlightened Society", the nine-day festival is being celebrated from January 10 to 18 across multiple venues in Dhaka.

Chaired by the Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission and Executive Member of the festival committee Jalal Ahmed, it was also addressed by Croatian-UK-based filmmaker Aleksandra Markovic and Li Xiaopeng, Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of China in Bangladesh. 

Festival Director Ahmed Mujtaba Jamal thanked all involved for their support at various levels.

The opening film of the festival was the Chinese feature "Wu Jin Zhi Lu" (The Journey to No End) directed by Chen Xiang. 

As in previous editions, the festival includes the Asian Film Competition, Bangladesh Panorama, Cinema of the World, Children's Film Sessions, Women Filmmakers Section, Short and Independent Films, Spiritual Films, and Open Theatre categories, showcasing 245 films from 91 countries including Bangladesh. Additional events include West Meets East, Screenplay Lab, Masterclasses, and Art Exhibitions.