Prince Mahmud Joins Film Certification Board

The Government of Bangladesh has recently reconstituted the Bangladesh Film Certification Board, appointing a fresh 15-member committee tasked with overseeing film classification and regulatory processes in the country. The announcement came through an official gazette issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, outlining the new members and their respective roles.

The original committee, formed earlier, saw the resignation of two prominent figures—film director Khizir Hayat Khan and film editor Iqbal Ehsanul Kabir—citing personal and professional reasons. Their positions have now been filled by renowned lyricist, composer, and music director Prince Mahmud, and film director and producer Rafiqul Anwar Rasel. The Ministry’s official notice confirmed these appointments, marking a notable inclusion of leading creative professionals into the regulatory framework.

The board will be chaired by the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, with the Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Film Censor Board serving as the Member Secretary. This structure aims to ensure a balance between administrative oversight and industry expertise, integrating both bureaucratic governance and creative insight.

The newly constituted board includes representatives from various government ministries, public institutions, and film organisations. Notable members alongside Prince Mahmud and Rafiqul Anwar Rasel include Kazi Nowshaba Ahmed and Tasmiya Afrin, among others. According to a board member, the committee has already commenced screening films, signalling an active start to its mandate.

The creation of the Certification Board follows a significant political and institutional shift. After a change in government, the previous Censor Board ceased its operations. The present board, officially formed on 22 September 2024, replaces the older system with a modernised approach. Emphasising certification over censorship, the board seeks to provide age-appropriate classifications, content guidance, and advisory recommendations rather than imposing blanket bans, allowing both filmmakers and audiences greater clarity and creative freedom.

Bangladesh Film Certification Board: Key Details

The reconstitution reflects a deliberate effort to modernise film governance, blending administrative oversight with industry expertise. With its diverse membership, the board aims to streamline certification processes, support creative expression, and uphold social and cultural norms, marking a progressive step for Bangladesh’s cinematic landscape.