Film Censor Board

Film Censor Board established in 1978 as an organisation for the review and scrutiny of the films and for issuing certificates for their release has its main office at dhaka and it discharges the responsibility by following the laws and principles of film censorship. The Secretary, Ministry of Information is the ex-officio chairman of the board. The government nominates all the members. The board has a vice-chairman, a secretary, six inspectors and other employees for running its administrative affairs. Film Censor Board members include: representative one from each of the Ministry of Home affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister's Office and representatives from the Ministry of Information, and departments concerned, as well as from the related fields, press and academicians.

At the time of selecting films, the members of the board follow the article 13 of the Film Censorship Act of 1977, which considers the law and order situation in the country and the society, international relationships, religious sentiments of the people, and a moral code of ethics. The board issues certificate with 'Universal' marking to films eligible for exhibition to all. In consideration of the conservative social and cultural environment of the country, the board does not issue A or X marked certificates for films meant for adult viewers. In case anybody applies for release of such films, he is not given the certificate to exhibit the film. For example, during 1997 and 1999, the board did not issue release certificate to a local film Dekh Tamasha and two foreign films, Silencer and Savage Streets on changes of obscenity and repulsiveness. The filmmakers, producers or distributors have the right to file appeal suits against the decision of the Film Censor Board to a special committee constituted for this purpose. The Appeal Committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, after re-examination of the concerned film(s) submits reports along with its recommendations to the government and the decision of government is sent to the Film Censor Board for implementation. [Anupam Hayat]