The Bangladesh Film Censor Board has gone through a complete overhaul. This was confirmed by Saiful Islam, the deputy secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 15. He also announced the that a new 15-member committee has been formed.
Members include renowned filmmakers Ashfaque Nipun, Khijir Hayat Khan, Tasmiah Afrin Mou, Rafiqul Anwar Russell, actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, academician Professor Dr Zakir Hossain Razu, popular writer Nazim Uddin and so on. Kazi Hayat, the president of the Bangladesh Film Directors' Association will also serve as a member of the censor board.
Immediately following the announcement of the new board, film activists flooded the social media sharing the news- some congratulating while others condemning the new members for accepting a position at a board they are publicly fighting to abolish.
The day after the announcement of new members, filmmaker Ashfaque Nipun declined his appointment to the censor board. He announced this via Facebook on Sunday morning. Previously he has been very vocal about abolishing the censor board, which is exactly which why he refused be a part of the board.
In the Facebook post he said "I was truly honoured that the Ministry deemed me fit to join the board. However, a miscommunication occurred. I have decided not to accept the official board membership and have graciously declined. I have already addressed this issue with the Ministry of Information,"
Ultimately his stance on abolishing the censor board remains unchanged and firm. He encourages the new members to promote the prompt introduction of a Censor Certification Board or a grading system.
