DHAKA, July 3, 2021 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the long-awaited Bangladesh Film Artistes' Welfare Trust Act, 2021 has been passed at the Jatiya Sangsad.
 
“The artistes of filmdom had a demand to form a welfare trust for them. As per their demand, the Film Artistes' Welfare Trust Act has been tabled at the House and passed today,” he told newsmen on the premises of the parliament in the capital.
 
Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, added: “The artistes of televisions would also get benefit from the act if applicable for them.”
 
He said the film artistes raised their demand at all regimes of BNP, Jatiya Party and even during military-backed caretaker governments. But, none fulfilled their demand, he added.
 
The minister said Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pledged that the demand will be fulfilled and finally the act has been passed for the welfare of artistes. Now, it is possible to form a welfare trust for the artistes, he added.
 
He said the TV artistes also demanded to include them under the act to the Premier along with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. In this context, it is also included in the act so that they would get benefit from the trust if applicable.
 
Besides, Hasan said, telefilm has also been included in the definition of cinema.
 
Film Artistes Association president Misha Showdagar, general secretary Jayed Khan, Directors Guild president Salauddin Lovlu, general secretary SMQ Sagar, Abhinoy Shilpi Sangha president Shahiduzzaman Selim and general secretary Ahsan Habib Nasim extended their gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
 
They also gave thanks to Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud.
 
Replying to a comment over a comment of BNP leader, the minister said they (BNP) are telling like these as they are afraid of the election. The next elections will be held in transplant and neutral manners and “we hope that BNP would part in the polls along with their all strength”, Hasan said.