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Published : 13 Oct 2025, 02:55 AM
Seven decades after its inception to nurture and develop Bangladesh’s film industry, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) has faltered, weighed down by mismanagement and an inability to keep pace with modern demands.
Over the past decade, the corporation has accumulated nearly Tk 500 million in debt. Rather than continuing to provide grants, the government is exploring alternative strategies to keep it operational.
Between 2016 and 2025, the FDC received nearly Tk 800 million in loans and grants from the state. Yet, losses and expenditures continue to rise year after year, with no clear path to revenue growth.
For the ongoing fiscal year 2025–2026, this loss-making corporation has applied to the government for a bulk grant of Tk 1.18 billion, asserting its need to stand on its own feet.
On Sept 9, a meeting at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting considered options for repurposing FDC’s land and offering “golden handshakes” to some employees. Sources present at the meeting told bdnews24.com that officials discussed breaking up the corporation and managing it under a public-private partnership, involving successful entrepreneurs in the sector.
FDC’s management, however, expressed disappointment at such proposals, refusing to accept blame for previous mismanagement attributed to the former Awami League government. Instead, they have outlined several strategies to make the corporation profitable.
Managing Director Masuma Rahman Tani told bdnews24.com, “No investment has been made in modernising FDC over the past 16 years. Past leadership deliberately slowed the institution, promoting foreign culture over our own.
“Outdated technology, dilapidated studios, insufficient equipment, and lack of maintenance have stripped FDC of its former golden glory.”
According to FDC accounts, the institution recorded its highest revenue in 1999–2000 -- Tk 119.99 million. Revenue has steadily declined, and since 2016, the corporation has relied largely on government subsidies. Mismanagement and an inability to adapt to the times have eroded what was once a celebrated institution.
Tani believes that exploring “alternative strategies” without enabling FDC to become self-sustaining would be unjust.
“If e-ticketing is implemented and shooting spots are rented at fair rates, much of the financial problem could be solved,” she said. “With modern equipment and technology, FDC can become profitable again. No other considerations are necessary.”
To illustrate her point, Tani cited figures from August 2025: “Our operational income increased to Tk 2.47 million from Tk 1.22 million the previous August. This demonstrates that with dedication and sincere effort, FDC can soon reach profitability.”
Yet bureaucratic delays and the high cost of shooting at FDC have driven many directors and producers to external studios. In response, FDC lowered service rates this year.
Tani said, “We reduced our service rate card by Tk 500 to 2,000 per unit to make shooting affordable for filmmakers while improving FDC’s financial position.
“We are simplifying procedures and fostering a friendly environment, so film production and other projects are easier for creators.”
LIKE A ‘SHIELDLESS NIDHIRAM SARDAR’
Observations at FDC’s 3.09-hectare Tejgaon headquarters reveal activity on the first, second, and seventh floors, but the conditions are poor. Some workers reported leaks from the ceiling, broken air-conditioning, and general disrepair.
Previously, the facility had nine shooting floors, pond, garden, swimming pool, an artificial waterfall, a Zamindar mansion, and various shooting spots. Today, only the area in front of the administrative building and the space around the waterfall remain usable.
The mansion that once represented a “wealthy person’s home” in films is abandoned, the pond is clogged with debris, and the artificial waterfall is defunct.
On Sept 7, two films were being shot at FDC: Raihan Rafi’s Andhar at the Nazir Ahmed Sound Complex, and Badiul Alam Khokon’s Tachnach in front of the administrative building.
Rafi’s production had been shooting for 20–25 days, including some days at Kabirpur Film City in Kaliganj, Gazipur. Tachnach had been filming for 10–12 days.
Asked about their experience, Rafi said: “We face many difficulties. There’s no AC on the floors, so we had to install one ourselves -- actors were falling ill from the heat. Travel to Kabirpur Film City was tough; we had to build roads ourselves. There are many such mismanagement issues.
“The current MD, however, has improved FDC’s operations. Years of neglect won’t be fixed overnight, but if FDC wants to run on its own income, Kabirpur could be developed further.”
FDC generates revenue from spot rentals, including studio floors, editing rooms, gardens, canteens, garages, rooftops, lobbies, corridors, medical centres, waterfalls, VIP projection halls, and colour labs.
Extra income is generated from renting cameras, lighting, sound and editing equipment, set materials, and even medical devices. Kabirpur Film City also contributes rental revenue.
Deputy Director (Production) Jane Alam said, “The production branch oversees cameras, lights, sound, editing, floors, and sets. The last equipment purchase was in 2016. For nearly nine years, no new machinery has been acquired, leaving us far behind in modern technology.”
Alam said FDC’s current equipment is inadequate.
“We had eight cameras -- Sony F-55, RED Dragon, RED Scarlet. Only three Sony F-55 cameras are functional; the rest are damaged but can be repaired. Our 5.1 sound system software has been broken for years, as are dubbing machines and two sound mixing machines. There is no 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.”
He added, “Third, fourth, and fifth floors were demolished to build the BFDC complex. The eighth and ninth floors are in reasonable condition. Others need renovation -- leaks, broken AC, and other problems persist.
“Editing machines are obsolete; DCP machines are broken. Christie projectors have been unusable. Visual effects facilities are inadequate. Digital sound equipment purchased in 2007 has remained idle due to legal complications. Two 40ft Jimmy Jib cranes exist, but we lack skilled operators.”
When asked why no modernisation had happened in nine years, Alam said: “Buying new equipment requires revenue funds, which FDC lacks.”
He added, “Without modern equipment, logistical support, and skilled personnel, it’s impossible to generate revenue -- the FDC is like a shieldless Nidhiram Sardar.”
The FDC’s expenditures include staff salaries, gratuities, utilities, modernisation, bank interest, events, festivals, stationery, internet, IT equipment, and audit fees.
During a visit, bdnews24.com met 80-year-old filmmaker and scriptwriter Chotku Ahmed, who began his career in 1972 as assistant director for Ritwik Ghatak’s Titash Ekti Nadir Naam.
Reflecting on the FDC’s lost glory, he said: “Previously, floors were busy day and night. Editing rooms were booked, dubbing schedules full. Everyone felt the cinema belonged to all. Now it’s dead -- nothing remains. FDC needs change.”
MOUNTAINS OF LOSSES
According to FDC accounts, in 2023–2024, the corporation earned Tk 62.47 million from operations and services but spent Tk 239.96 million, including Tk 3.44 million in bank interest.
In 2024–2025, income dropped to Tk 35.73 million, while expenditure rose to Tk 244.87 million, with deficits covered by government support.
Accounts Officer Hemayet Hossain said that between 2015–16 and 2024–25, the FDC received Tk 318 million in staff salaries and gratuities, and Tk 483 million in loans -- a total of Tk 801 million over a decade.
The 2021–22 audit reported cumulative losses of Tk 1.42 billion against assets of Tk 13.02 million. The report said, “The institution is in extreme uncertainty and cannot survive without government support.”
Yet the FDC’s permanent assets are significant: 3.09 hectares in Tejgaon (headquarters), 42.725 hectares at Kabirpur Film City, 0.4 hectares in Mirpur Bhashantek, and 0.55 hectares in Chattogram for an extended shooting unit -- two parcels remain unused.
EFFORTS TO UTILISE FDC’S ASSETS
On Oct 2, 2018, the Awami League government approved the “BFDC Complex Construction” project, targeting annual revenue of Tk 500 million.
Although the project was originally slated for completion by December 2021, construction only began in 2022. The planned 12-storey complex has reached 10 floors. Following the latest revision, the project deadline is now June 2026, with costs rising to Tk 3.65 billion. As of June, physical progress stood at 46.53 percent.
A mid-2024 intensive monitoring report by the planning ministry’s Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) highlighted serious shortcomings.
Delays in fund disbursement, poorly defined project activities, inadequate staffing, lack of annual work plan preparation and execution, insufficient oversight, and missing final architectural designs in the Development Project Proposal (DPP) were noted as major weaknesses.
The report also revealed that a third-grade engineer was supposed to serve as project director, but that did not happen. Project directors’ tenures ranged from three months to three years, and inconsistent grades of reinforcement rods were used, which were deemed unacceptable. The construction of a deep tube well left part of the project at risk.
The complex will feature a cineplex with three halls, a swimming pool, three shooting floors, six makeup rooms, a souvenir shop, a food court, a museum, a library, dance floor, and theatre stage. There will also be a childcare centre for children, including corners for autistic and intellectually challenged kids, as well as modern post-production and VFX studios.
Residential hotels for domestic and international filmmakers, artists, and tourists are planned, along with sports areas, storytelling spaces for senior citizens, and seminar halls. Different sections of the complex, including offices, will be leased to commercial enterprises.
MD Masuma believes that once the project is completed, the FDC could finally see profits.
She told bdnews24.com, “If we renovate and properly equip what we already have, and complete the BFDC Complex as quickly as possible, the government’s long-standing subsidies and loans could have been converted into profit.”
Meanwhile, the first phase of Bangladesh Film City in Kabirpur, Kaliakair, Gazipur, costing Tk 200 million, was completed in June 2017, featuring shooting sets, duplex houses, homes for high- and middle-income groups, a rural market, ponds, and garden facilities.
The FDC is now seeking approval for a second phase worth Tk 5.07 billion, which will provide modern facilities for artists, including shooting spots, floors, VFX, equipment, and studio amenities.
‘GOLDEN HANDSHAKES’
The FDC has 591 sanctioned posts, but only 193 employees are currently active. Many staff, trained in the celluloid era, are unaccustomed to digital and modern technology.
As a result, plans are under way to offer one-time exit packages to 92 employees who have reached the 25-year service threshold. The Sept 9 meeting at the information ministry also discussed the “golden handshake”.
A senior ministry official said, “Many FDC staff cannot adapt to modern technology, making it difficult to operate modern equipment. We are considering offering voluntary exit packages, allowing employees to decide for themselves. No one will be forced out, and a committee will oversee the process.”
According to the FDC, Tk 200 million will be required for exit packages for 90 employees, and Tk 130 million to settle post-retirement dues for 54 retirees. At least 10 staff interviewed by bdnews24.com expressed anxiety over the process.
Audit Officer Helal Uddin said, “We don’t yet know the process for the golden handshake. Previously, similar schemes were implemented at jute corporations. We are unsure what benefits we will receive.
“If new government pay scales are introduced next year, our salaries and retirement benefits could double. My service period is still several years away. Being forced into retirement now would be a loss. I do not want this golden handshake.”
Director (Technical and Engineering) Mamunur Rashid added, “Removing experienced staff to hire inexperienced personnel will reduce the FDC’s capacity and increase losses.
“I believe the golden handshake is effectively the first step toward the FDC’s dissolution. Of 591 sanctioned posts, only 193 are filled. If another 100 are removed, hardly anyone capable will remain. The focus should be on filling vacant posts, hiring staff skilled in modern technology, importing contemporary equipment, and training existing employees.”
An assistant director, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We do not agree with the golden handshake. I have worked here for many years. Even though my 25-year tenure is complete, I could work for another 10 years, receiving salary increments, gratuity, and other benefits.
“Only if all dues are paid in a single cheque would I consider leaving.”
Another officer suggested: “A committee should be formed to verify who is an asset and who is a burden. No departing employee should be denied benefits.”
Assistant cinematographer and General Secretary of the Nationalist Employees Association GM Saidur Rahman said: “Our families are anxious. At this age, if we are let go, where will we go? There are no other job opportunities. We have children to think about. We cannot accept this after so many years of service.”
As many as 10 staff have voluntarily applied for retirement under this scheme, spanning grades 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
WHAT STAKEHOLDERS SAY
Khorshed Alam Khosru, former leader of the Producers and Distributors Association, said: “No effective decisions emerged from the Sept 9 meeting. Some objections and inconsistencies were noted. The golden handshake is appropriate under government policy for staff with over 25 years of service, but the outcomes are uncertain.
“Past public-private partnership initiatives have not yielded results, including several projects at the FDC. Many of these projects, including the BFDC Complex, have no future. We doubt these plans will deliver the intended outcomes.”
Shahin Sumon, president of the Film Directors’ Association, warned: “If any adverse decisions over the FDC are taken, we will act constructively. I have heard discussions about selling the FDC land to pay off debts. There is significant history and heritage here. No one can decide to sell the land arbitrarily. We will not remain silent.”
Regarding the public-private partnership plan, Sumon added: “Those considering this move are thinking of personal profit. This government has no authority to make such decisions -- it is not an elected government.
“During the recent ministry meeting, when they referred to making FDC profitable or using its assets, they were essentially talking about selling parts of the property. The third and fourth floors are to be demolished for a large market, but who will benefit from this?
“The Elevated Expressway already obscures the site. This project will not generate any real revenue for the film industry. These plans are merely a conduit for exploitation.”
