News Flash
DHAKA, June 23, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury today said the government will soon launch a nationwide talent hunt programme titled "Protibhar Sandhane" (In Search of Talent) to identify promising individuals in film, acting and other cultural fields.
He said the initiative will be jointly implemented by the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) and Bangladesh Television (BTV).
"The present culture-friendly government is committed to restoring the lost glory and golden era of the BFDC," the state minister said while addressing a cheque distribution ceremony for retired BFDC officers and employees at the BFDC premises here as the chief guest.
Highlighting efforts to modernise the film industry and increase BFDC revenues, he said the government has undertaken a series of practical and transformative measures to strengthen the organisation and revitalize the country's film sector.
Referring to retirement benefits, Yasser said BFDC employees do not receive pensions under the existing policy, making provident fund and gratuity payments their primary financial support after retirement.
While such dues were previously paid in installments, the government has introduced a new system under which retirees receive the full amount in a lump sum.
He said despite some financial constraints, dues of employees retiring in the coming years would also be settled gradually and expeditiously.
The state minister said construction of the BFDC Complex would be completed as quickly as possible and would become a major source of income for the corporation. Plans are also underway to build a modern mini-market on vacant land behind the administrative building.
He added that the second phase of work on the Bangladesh Film City at Kabirpur in Gazipur would begin soon, describing it as a landmark development in the history of the country's film industry.
Yasser said efforts are also being made to ensure the best commercial use of BFDC's properties to transform it once again into a profitable institution.
To safeguard producers' investments and ensure transparency in film exhibition, he said an e-ticketing system and a central server would be introduced soon.
The state minister also said world-class filmmaking equipment is being installed at BFDC, while post-production studios are being upgraded with modern technologies.
He further announced that a comprehensive business automation system would be introduced shortly to ensure faster and hassle-free services for clients.
Speaking about the talent hunt initiative, Yasser said the programme aims to bring talented actors, actresses and skilled technicians from grassroots levels into mainstream filmmaking.
Expressing optimism, he said BFDC would regain its former pride through the implementation of these realistic initiatives and once again produce timeless films capable of earning global recognition.
BFDC Managing Director Masuma Rahman Tani, who chaired the programme, said the corporation has been steadily clearing long-pending dues of former employees.
"Earlier, payments were made in phases. Now we have arranged to pay the entire amount at once," she said, adding that dues of only 49 more beneficiaries remain to be settled.
Additional Secretary (Broadcasting) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Shah Alam, retired officer Salah Uddin Ahmed, Employees' Union General Secretary GM Sayeed, actor and JASAS central committee convener Helal Khan, singer Sazzad Hossain Palash, JASAS Joint General Secretary Khaled Enam Munna and film director Md Shahin, among others, also spoke at the event.
