Indian films banned again in Bangladesh

DHAKA - The Bangladesh government has decided once again not to allow Indian movies to be released in cinema halls across Bangladesh .

Bangladeshi actors don’t want the ban to be lifted, as they claim that at least 25,000 jobs could be lost as a result.

Though there has been no official word from the government yet, the ban is unlikely to be lifted, the BBC quoted top Bangladeshi actor Razzak, as saying.

Cinema owners, however say the trend in Bangladesh is in favour of Bollywood fare. People watch pirated versions of Indian releases on DVDs and the popularity of domestic movies pales in comparison.

The ban was first introduced in 1972 in order to protect the local film industry.

The decision to renege it was announced by the Commerce minister. It was taken to help cinema owners and boost occupancy. (ANI)