Speakers at a discussion event have urged filmmakers and producers to take a more active role in strengthening anti-smoking messaging in films and ensuring the proper implementation of the Tobacco Control Law and related regulations. The call was made at a discussion titled “Roles of Directors and Producers in Implementing the Tobacco Control Law in Films”, held on Saturday, 29 November at the BFDC Seminar Hall. The event was jointly organized by Madok Drabo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha (MANAS) and the Bangladesh Film Directors’ Association.
The discussion was presided over by Prof. Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury, Founder President of MANAS. S. M. Abdur Rahman, Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board, attended as the Chief Guest. Shahin Sumon, President of the Bangladesh Film Directors’ Association; and noted filmmakers Chhatku Ahmed and Delwar Jahan Jhontu were present as honorable Guests. The welcome address was delivered by Matiur Rahman Talukder, Organizing Secretary of MANAS.
The keynote presentation by Umme Jannat, Project Coordinator of MANAS, highlighted how filmmakers can reduce tobacco-use scenes, the current violations of the Tobacco Control Law in cinemas and OTT platforms in Bangladesh, and international examples of effective anti-tobacco messaging in films. Other speakers included Helal Ahmed, General Secretary of Protyasha; Md. Bazlur Rahman, Associate Professor at Dhaka International University; Hamidul Islam Hillol, Project Director at BER–Dhaka University; and Syeda Ananya Rahman, Head of Programs at WBB Trust. The meeting was moderated by Md. Abu Rayhan, Senior Project & Communication Officer of MANAS.
MANAS President Prof. Dr. ArupRatan Choudhury said, Cinema influences millions of young minds. Directors and producers must ensure films do not encourage addiction, and strict compliance with the law is essential to protect the next generation.
Speakers highlighted that depicting smoking and drug use in films harms societal and cultural values, particularly influencing youth, and cannot be justified as a “story requirement.” They warned that tobacco companies exploit entertainment media to normalize addiction. Speakers also emphasized the need for effective on-screen warnings and called on authorities to finalize OTT platform policies along with separate guidelines to prevent smoking, drug use, and abusive language. The event was attended by 40 film directors and producers, BFDC officials, and representatives from Protyasha, TCRC-DIU, WBB Trust, DORP, and the Grambangla Unnayan Committee.