Famous filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is asking for a major overhaul of Bangladesh's film censorship system. He believes the old rules should be replaced with a modern rating system. Farooki's call for change comes after his film, "Saturday Afternoon," was blocked by censors for reasons that have not been explained.
Farooki, known for his outspoken views, shared his frustration on social media. He asked whether films about historical events like the BDR mutiny or atrocities committed by the Rakkhi Bahini should be banned. He also questioned whether films that critique current leaders should be blocked. Farooki feels that the censorship board is limiting critical and diverse viewpoints, especially those that challenge the ruling Awami League's version of history.
Farooki argues that the current system allows the government to control filmmakers and prevent them from sharing their perspectives. He believes that a rating system, which would classify films based on their audience suitability, would be a better solution. This system could include ratings for adults or parental guidance, rather than outright censorship.
Farooki also addressed concerns about films that might misrepresent important historical figures. He suggested that clear guidelines could help manage these issues without stopping filmmakers from exploring challenging topics. "We can have safeguards, but they should not stifle creativity," he said.
Farooki recalled a past meeting with former state minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, who seemed to support reform. However, Farooki said that after Arafat's rise to power, the government introduced stricter rules for OTT platforms instead. He criticized the censorship board, suggesting it is outdated and influenced by political agendas. Farooki called for new, fairer appointments and changes to the grant committee to better support filmmakers.
