Cinema halls to remain open after 7pm

The government has once again instructed shopping malls and retail outlets to close by 7pm. However, multiplexes and standalone cinema halls operating within shopping centres will be allowed to continue screenings beyond that time, according to the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association.

According to Prothom Alo, Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association President Awlad Hossain said exhibitors had appealed to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to keep cinema halls operational during the evening hours. The ministry subsequently approved the request.

“Business for cinemas usually picks up after Eid. After discussing the matter with producers, directors, and hall owners, we requested the government to allow screenings to continue,” Awlad Hossain said.

Several multiplexes, including Star Cineplex and Lion Cinemas, are located inside shopping centres. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, AGM (Media and Marketing) of Star Cineplex, said the multiplex is continuing screenings after 7pm in accordance with the approved guidelines.

Lion Cinemas owner Mirza Abdul Khaleq said screenings would continue until 11pm.

Eight films were released this Eid: “Rockstar”, “Roid”, “Bonolata Sen”, “Malik”, “Masud Rana”, “Pinik”, “Officer”, and “Tosnos”.