TBT DESK

While films must obtain clearance from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board before being screened in theatres, OTT content has largely remained free from such restrictions. However, plans are now underway to introduce a requirement for OTT platforms to obtain certification board clearance before releasing content, according to Awlad Hossain Ujjal, a member of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board and president of the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors’ Association.

He said work is underway to formulate a specific policy for OTT platforms and that the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already begun discussions with stakeholders on the matter.

Awlad Hossain Ujjal said, “No film can be screened in theatres without certification. Taxes must also be paid to the government for film screenings. So why should OTT content remain outside the certification process? Production companies making content for OTT platforms should also obtain clearance from the certification board. There is no problem with that.”

Emphasising the need for certification of OTT content, Ujjal said, “Suppose a film or series is released on an OTT platform and sparks controversy. The government might then say it was unaware of the content. That is why we support rules and regulations to ensure that no film can be screened on any platform without certification, whether in a cinema hall or on an OTT platform. We fully support the Information Ministry’s initiative.”

Confirming that work on the OTT policy has already begun, Ujjal said, “A meeting was held at the Secretariat regarding certification clearance for OTT content. Our collective demand is that films must comply with all the rules and regulations of this country, regardless of where they are screened. The secretary has already held discussions with stakeholders and presented a proposal on the policy. We hope it will be finalised soon.”

Although OTT content in Bangladesh is not currently subject to mandatory certification clearance, director Raihan Rafi’s web film ‘Omimangshito’ was blocked in early 2024 following objections from the then Censor Board.

The film, which revolves around the murder mystery of a journalist couple, was declared “unsuitable for screening” by the board at the time.

Later, following the student-public uprising, the old Censor Board was dissolved and a new Film Certification Board was established. The film subsequently received approval for release.