DHAKA, Dec 27, 2022 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today called for waging a concerted cultural movement to resist all evil efforts of taking the country backward.

"A cultural movement is needed to resist evil efforts of taking country backward and save our youths from getting derailed, addicted to drugs and engaged to terrorism," he said.

The minister was addressing a seminar on "Bangabandhu, Liberation War and Bangladeshi Films" arranged by Bangladesh Cine-Journalist Association (BCJA) at the Jatiya Press Club this evening.

Freedom fighter members of the association were also honoured on the occasion.

BCJA President Raju Alim chaired the function, which was moderated by its Senior Vice-President Anjan Rahman.

Prime Minister's former Media Adviser and Daily Observer editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yasmin, Dainik Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta addressed it as special guests while Minister (Press) at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi Shaban Mahmood and BCJA General Secretary Rimon Mahfuz and Executive Member Rafi Hossain spoke on the occasion, among others.

Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, urged all to save the country from the hands of those who chanted slogan "Take back Bangladesh".

Turning to progress of film industry, he said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had liked films very much so that he introduced film industry in the country.

He said one day film actor, director and producer Sohel Rana, who received lifetime achievement award last year, went to meet Bangabandhu after the release of his movie and Bangabandhu said, "You did a good work. Keep working in film".

Following Bangabandhu's advice, Sohel Rana continued his works in film industry, he mentioned.

Hasan said Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also loves film too much and that is why she took many steps for the development of film industry.

A good film is a fantastic source of entertainment, he said.

He said film industry began its journey in Bangladesh in 1957 with the establishment of Film Development Corporation (FDC) under the initiative of the Father of the Nation.

Films played a crucial role in the movements for establishing autonomy, struggle for independence and post-independence period for building the country, the minister said.

The country's film industry had a glorious past but it faced major setbacks in the midway, he said adding that many cinema halls were shut down there was lack of good films and film directors during the period.
But film industry has again made a turnaround as the number of cinema halls, which came down to below 100, stood at 300 now, he said.

The minister hander over valiant freedom fighters' crests to seven members of the association Atahar Khan, Salimullah Selim, Mainul Haque Bhuiyan, AZM Rahagir, LA Sarker Bachchu, Barun Sankar and SR Reza.

BCJA vice-president Rashed Raen, its finance secretary Sahabuddin Majmuder, organising secretary Shafiqul Alam Milon, social welfare and women affairs secretary Anjuman Ara Shilpi, cultural and sports affairs secretary Irani Biswas, publicity and publications secretary Abu Huraira Murad, executive members Liton Ershad, Mainul Haque Bhuiyan, Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, Aminur Islam Liton, Rashed Anis, Rafi Hossain and Ruhul Sakhawat were present, among others.