Nut to be cracked by hammer
WebIndia 123 (via) reports that the Bangladesh Ministry of Information is proposing a law to ban the exhibition of English films in cinema halls in the districts and local levels as part of a “drive against obscenity”.
According to M Shamsul Islam, the Information Minister, some dishonest producers, distributors and cinema hall owners were showing uncensored and obscene English films, which could lead to the moral degeneration of society, particularly the young generation. “So, we must take action against those who are responsible for the exhibition of obscene films,” he added.
Index also notes that The Censorship of Films (Amendment) Bill 2006, which was passed on 31 January, has increased penalties for filmmakers and actors whose works are ruled obscene.
The Dhaka-based Bengali film industry churns out more than 100 low-budget movies a year at an average cost of 6.5mn taka ($100,000) each. Under the new law filmmakers, actors and exhibitors can be jailed for up to three years if their products include nudity or vulgarity. The bill also gives authorities the power to confiscate films.
Tuesday 21 Feb 2006 | Paul | Bangladesh
