Due to the exclusion of the "Film" section from the "Drama and Film" sub-division in the revised Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Act, 175 cultural activists have released a public stating demanding a separate ‘film’ category.
This statement was signed by filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, film critics, researchers, teachers, film workers and organisers, actors, musicians, and photographers.
They said, “The academy became a place for those who practice the art of film, film societies, Federation of Film Societies, Short Film Forum, young and independent filmmakers.”
Thy further solidified their statement by saying, “In addition, today, after the mass uprising, when the entire nation is united in the ongoing nation-building and reform process, and the medium that can best capture the mass uprising and the liberation struggle of the people in the new era, and the entire nation is united in the ongoing nation-building and reform process, this renaissance should not be excluded from the academy, but rather an independent department should be formed.”
Notable signatories include Nurul Alam Atique, N Rashed Chowdhury, Akram Khan, Shabnam Ferdousi, Tokon Thakur, Noman Robin, Wahid Tareq, Prasun Rahman, Redoan Rony, Khijir Hayat Khan, Palash Rasul, Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, Sadia Khalid Reeti, Zakia Bari Mamo, Rawnak Hasan, Deepak Suman, Shohel Mondol, Nahida Sharmin (Shormi Mala), Abdullah Al Sentu, Tanvir Ahmed, and Nasir Ali Mamun amongst many others.