Filmmakers, artists frustrated as TV stations opt for reruns over new dramas for Ekushey

Directors and actors urge TV channels to look beyond mere viewership metrics and focus on creating content that upholds cultural values

Private television channels in Bangladesh usually release special single-episode dramas to mark International Mother Language Day. On the 73rd anniversary of the Language Movement protests, however, major networks like Banglavision, NTV, Deepto and ATN Bangla have scheduled various programmes, but have not produced any new dramas.

Meanwhile, channels such as Maasranga, Duronto, Boishakhi and RTV are only re-airing old Ekushey-themed dramas, drawing criticism from industry professionals and audiences alike.

Several directors, including Simanto Sajal and Tuhin Hossain, have expressed frustration over TV stations' reluctance to invest in new productions for the occasion.

According to these filmmakers, while they are eager to create dramas for special occasions, a lack of sponsorship remains a major obstacle.

On the other hand, TV station officials argue that aside from airing these dramas on television, they also upload them to YouTube. They claim viewership for special shows on social media has declined, and with shrinking ad revenue and fewer investors, producing new dramas is no longer financially viable.

Actors have also voiced disappointment over the absence of new Ekushey dramas, stressing that to keep the spirit of the momentous day alive, fresh productions are necessary.

They urged TV stations to look beyond mere viewership metrics and focus on creating content that upholds cultural values.

Viewers, too, have noticed a steady decline in the number of dramas based on the Language Movement.

As part of its special programming, Maasranga TV will broadcast "Bornomalar Michhil" at 10:30pm. The drama, written and directed by Sajal, originally aired in 2019.

Unaware of its re-airing, Sajal expressed his disappointment and said, “I just found out that my drama is being re-broadcast. If the channel had informed me, I could have promoted it. ‘Bornomalar Michhil’ has already been watched by many. Rather than replaying old dramas, we should focus on producing new ones.”

Despite his passion for productions marking special days, Sajal pointed out that securing a producer is always a challenge.

“I have always been eager to work on Language Day dramas. Bornomalar Michhil was my first TV drama, which I self-financed and provided to the station. Now, with more experience, I would love to create even better productions. But lack of sponsorship makes it impossible,” he said.

On the reluctance of producers to support such efforts, he added: “When we pitch our ideas to producers or TV channels, they often dismiss them, saying special-day dramas don’t generate enough views. We keep trying, but they remain adamant.”

Duronto TV will air "Jhutum Pakhir Kotha", another drama that premiered in 2019 and has been re-aired multiple times.

Similarly, Boishakhi TV will show "Bhasha O Bhalobasha" from 2017, while RTV will rerun "Borno" from 2021.

Asked about the re-airing of old dramas, director Monirul Hossain Shipon said, “Duronto TV balances both new and old programmes. The storyline of the drama remains relevant, which is why it’s being aired again.”

However, Shipon also pointed out that while there are many untold stories about the Language Movement, TV channels show little interest in producing new dramas.

“TV stations prioritise Eid dramas. They’ve never been very keen on making productions for other special occasions. However, I believe this needs to change,” he added.

Director Tuhin Hossain, who has been making dramas for 14 years, has always produced special programmes for Language Day. However, for the first time, he has no new drama lined up this year.

Frustrated with the neglect of occasion-based productions, he said: “I’m disappointed that I couldn’t make a drama this year. It’s not just about Language Day -- even on Victory Day, new productions are rare. This growing disregard for occasion-centric dramas is concerning. If we want to preserve the spirit of Ekushey, we must increase these productions.”

Asked whether producers approach him for such projects, Tuhin replied: “Of course, I would love to make them. But television channels now have a YouTube-driven business model. Their business depends on social media views. They believe if they upload these dramas to YouTube, their target audience won’t watch them.”

He suggested that the government should make it mandatory for TV stations to produce dramas for special occasions.

WHY TV STATIONS SHY AWAY FROM NEW PRODUCTIONS

Television executives and producers cite financial challenges as the main reason for re-airing old dramas on International Mother Language Day.

Riyad Shimul, assistant manager of Maasranga TV’s programming department, explained that while they strive to produce new dramas for special occasions, funding issues often make it difficult. In the past, these productions received strong support from sponsors, but in recent years, both sponsorships and advertising revenue have declined, creating a financial gap.

As a result, some years see new productions, while others rely on re-airing old dramas. Shimul admitted that the decline in occasion-based dramas is disappointing even for the industry itself.

He also pointed out that casting popular actors, who generally attract more viewers, greatly increases production costs. Additionally, many artists are reluctant to participate in such projects, believing that these dramas won’t draw large audiences, especially in today’s highly competitive viewership landscape.

To revive special-occasion dramas, Saju Muntasher, former general secretary of the Television Program Producers Association of Bangladesh, suggested that the government should require TV channels to produce at least one new drama for key national days such as Feb 21, Independence Day and Victory Day. He argued that television channel owners have the financial means to support such productions and should not rely entirely on sponsorships.

'DEEPLY DISHEARTENING'

Veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan, who starred in "Bornomalar Michhil" six years ago, has not appeared in any new productions for this year’s International Mother Language Day. When asked about the importance of new dramas for such occasions, he emphasised that they are essential.

He described Language Day as a matter of national pride and heritage, highlighting that no other nation has sacrificed lives for its language. Beyond mere celebration, he believes TV channels have a social responsibility to produce meaningful dramas with compelling narratives for the occasion.

Tariq also expressed disappointment over the repeated re-airing of old productions, calling it a painful experience for artists. Criticising television stations, he believes that channels are increasingly prioritising commercial gains over artistic integrity, urging them to move beyond viewership-driven decisions and commit to producing at least a few high-quality dramas centred on significant national days.

Similarly, veteran actress Dilara Zaman, who has witnessed both the Language Movement and the Liberation War, stressed the importance of occasion-based productions. Despite the rise of entertainment platforms, she finds the decline in such dramas deeply disheartening. She believes dramas play a crucial role in fostering emotional connections and awareness about national days, particularly among younger generations.

The declining enthusiasm for Language Day dramas is also evident among viewers. University student Mamunur Rahman Hridoy recalled eagerly waiting for special TV dramas in the past. However, he now feels that the excitement surrounding such productions has faded, drowned out by mobile entertainment and the internet.

He noted that dramas based on the Language Movement, once a staple of his childhood, have become rare. “It feels like something important has been lost. I can’t even remember the last time I watched an emotionally stirring drama,” he added.