No decision taken to deny National Film Award over smoking scenes: Certification Board

The Bangladesh Film Certification Board has clarified that no decision has been taken to deny the National Film Award to films that contain smoking scenes. The board also stated that it does not have the authority to make such a decision.

The clarification came amid widespread confusion and criticism following reports suggesting that films featuring smoking scenes would be excluded from consideration for the National Film Award.

On 25 February, the Bangladesh Film Certification Board and the Association for the Prevention of Drug Abuse (MANAS) jointly organised a discussion programme at the Information Building. The discussion was titled “Implementation of the Law on Controlling Smoking Scenes in Films: Responsibilities of the Stakeholders.”

According to a press release issued by MANAS, speakers at the event expressed the opinion that films containing smoking and other negative scenes should be considered ineligible for the National Film Award. The press release also quoted the vice chairman of the Film Certification Board as saying that steps would be taken to stop the depiction of smoking scenes in films.

Following the publication of these statements, the issue sparked strong criticism from filmmakers and actors, who protested against what they believed was an impending restriction on creative freedom. As the controversy gained attention, both the Film Certification Board and MANAS issued separate clarifications.

In a statement, MANAS acknowledged that a press release sent on 26 February carried the headline “No National Award if a film contains smoking scenes,” which was subsequently used in news reports. However, the organisation clarified that the statement did not reflect any official decision or policy declaration. It was instead the personal opinion of one of the speakers at the discussion.

MANAS further explained that the meeting primarily focused on the proper implementation of tobacco control laws, discouraging the portrayal of smoking scenes in films, dramas, and OTT content, and discussing measures to protect children and adolescents from harmful influences.

Meanwhile, SM Abdur Rahman, vice chairman of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board, said in a separate statement that his comments had been misrepresented.

“No decision was taken at the meeting to deny the National Film Award to films containing smoking scenes. Nor does the Bangladesh Film Certification Board have the authority to take such a decision,” he said.

He added that his actual remarks emphasised the board’s responsibility to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations regarding smoking scenes in films.

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“The confusion arose from the incorrect presentation of both the headline and the statement in the press release issued by MANAS. I strongly protest this misrepresentation and will be more cautious in working with them in the future,” he said.