Govt to amend censorship act to check vulgarity in films

The proposed amendment, now lying with the parliamentary standing committee on information ministry for scrutiny, provides that the court should not issue an interim stay on the action by the Film Censor Board against obscene films without taking its version, he said at a press briefing.

Among others provisions, the new law will impose a maximum of three years' imprisonment and a fine of Tk 10,000 for those involved in producing vulgar films, including artistes, technicians and exhibitors.

It will also empower the district information officer to seize such films.

The minister said the censor board's drive against obscene films is being hindered due to court injunctions against the board.

Laws are being misused in many cases, he added.

Dishonest filmmakers have filed 70 cases against the censor board after it has taken action against their vulgar films, said Information Secretary Dr Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman.

Of them, 33 producers and directors have obtained stay orders and are running public exhibitions of these films, he added.

When reporters pointed out that one of the members of the censor board is involved in making a vulgar film, Minister Shamsul Islam said, "Such a member should resign from the board."

The board has permanently cancelled censor certificates of 14 Bangla films on charges of vulgarity this year.

It has also cancelled licences and taken other actions against 24 cinemas for screening uncensored films.

Vice-chairman Abu Abdullah and members of the censor board were also present at the press briefing.