Participants at the Dainik Prothom Alo Roundtable held at the Top of the Park of Hotel Sheraton on July 29, however, experienced the existing shocking condition of our film industry, as a few clippings from vulgar films were screened before the discussion session. The feeling was especially aggravated by the screening of clippings from good films just prior to the obscene ones. Moderated by the editor of the Dainik Prothom Alo, Matiur Rahman, the roundtable was attended by Information Minister M Shamsul Islam, eminent and popular film personalities, theatre activists, journalists and government officials whose offices are associated with the film industry of the country.

Entitled 'What to do to revive the glory of our film industry', the roundtable generated a number of suggestions. Renowned filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel asked for the initiation of grading for films in the country, which, he said, 'will help a person decide regarding watching a film.' Tanvir gave another thought-provoking suggestion: to remove the film industry from under the Information Ministry to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. He also voiced the need for a 'film centre'.

Eminent actor-director Amzad Hossain accused the Censor Board and the condition of cinema halls in the country where 'gentlemen' cannot go to see movies. He blamed the concerned government offices for this degradation of the film industry. He also put emphasis on the fact that 'Since the independence, prize-winning films by internationally acclaimed filmmakers have seldom come to Bangladesh. This has worsened the situation over the passage of time.'

Chashi Nazrul Islam, another eminent filmmaker and President of Film Directors' Association, made a different point. He ascribed the uncontrolled aggression of the satellite TV channels, especially those of the subcontinent, as one of the reasons for the decline in the film quality of our country. 'There is a law that no films from other countries of the subcontinent can be released in the country,' Chashi said. 'So why exempt films shown on these TV channels?' he questioned. He also expressed the view that most of the FDC people do not have sound technical knowledge of film equipment.

Many participants asked the government to consider the waiver of amusement taxes, especially from good films. President of Film Producers' Association, KMR Manjur, also demanded an end to the import of Hong Kong-based English films. He claimed that these films 'are the main inspiration of these vulgar movies.'

Sadek Khan, one of the pioneers of the film world in the country, actor-director Mamunur Rashid and a few others, however, emphasised on the need for film education and more film society activities. Rashid also suggested that the government introduce our filmmakers to the international audience.

There are some allegations of illegal activities against the Film Censor Board. A few posters of some obscene films, namely Gazab, Gurudeb and Dhar Shaitan, were shown at the roundtable and Abu Taher of the FCB was asked how such posters could pass the censorship. Taher, however, could not give any satisfactory answers: he claimed that these posters were not produced before the board and that his signature was forged on the posters.

Mainstream film directors Shahidul Islam Khokon and Kazi Hayat demanded cancellation of these filmmakers' and producers' trade license. Khokon also suggested authorising the FCB members with the power to ban such films.

Young filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki talked about his experience with the FDC during the release of his film Bachelor. 'The FDC is not newcomer friendly,' he said. 'I had to go through unnecessary interview sessions several times where I was asked irrelevant questions by people who have little knowledge of film.' Award winning film Adhiar's director Saidul Anam Tutul also focused on the inhospitable attitude of FDC. 'One cannot have access to FDC and make films unless one is the member of the Film Producers and Directors' Association,' he informed. Tutul suggested that the Censor Board should comprise old, experienced and intellectual persons who can truly judge the art of the films.

Among others who participated in the roundtable were film actors Razzaque, Kabori, Ujjal, Rozi Afsari, Ilias Kanchan, Riaz, Ferdous, Moushumi, Purnima, Subarna Mustafa, writer Hasnat Abdul Hye and others.