Film industry in dire state after 17 years of misrule: State Minister Mir Helal

The country’s film industry has reached the verge of ruin following 17 years of misrule and requires urgent revival efforts, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin said during a visit to Rangamati.

Speaking at an event in the hill district on Thursday afternoon, the state minister highlighted the government's plans to construct modern information complexes across the country to support the cultural and media sectors.

"We view this as a priority project of the government. The information complex being built here is not merely a building; it has specific objectives," the minister said.

Image

The planned Rangamati facility is part of the first phase of a nationwide initiative to build 26 modern information complexes, according to project director Md Moniruzzaman. Once completed, the facilities will house digital labs, digital archives, fact-checking units, administrative offices, and a multipurpose hall designed to double as a cineplex.

During his address, the state minister stressed the need for systemic measures to curb the spread of misinformation and online harassment.

The minister also noted that special attention is being directed toward the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, encompassing Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban. He mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently formed three specialised committees to implement practical solutions to the region's challenges.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Image

"For the past three days, I have visited Khagrachhari, Sajek, and now Rangamati," Helal said. "The Prime Minister wants those of us in office to visit remote areas, understand people’s needs, and take realistic action."

The Rangamati information complex will feature a five-storey foundation spanning 14,620 square feet. Built at an estimated cost of Tk 13.88 crore, the project is slated for completion within two years.

The event was chaired by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Shah Alam. Rangamati lawmaker Dipen Dewan attended as the guest of honour.

Other key officials in attendance included Rangamati District Council Chairman Dipan Talukdar, Department of Mass Communication Director General SM Abdur Rahman, Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Md Imranul Haque Bhuiyan.