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Trust, permanent fund for welfare of film artistes


Published : 04 Apr 2021 08:53 PM

The government has planned to set up ‘Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Welfare Trust’ and create a permanent fund to ensure overall welfare of actors and actresses of country’s film industry and enhance their professional skills.

A 13-member board of trustees will operate the welfare trust, while the permanent fund will be created from various sources and the government allocated money from the annual budget each year. Information and broadcasting minister will be Chairman of the welfare trust, while a government-appointed managing director (MD) will act as its executive officer.

The government is moving forward for a law in this regard. The Cabinet on November 23 last approved the draft of the proposed law.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud placed the “Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Welfare Trust Bill, 2021” during a sitting of the 12th session of the 11th Parliament on Sunday. The bill was sent to the respective parliamentary standing committee for further scrutinize. The parliamentary watchdog was asked to submit its report within 45 days.

The 12th JS session was prorogued on Sunday after only three sittings following the Covid-19 situation. Alongside the bill for film artistes’ welfare purpose, four other bills were placed in the House during the session. However, no bill was passed in the session.

The main objectives of the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Welfare Trust Bill are ensuring the welfare of film artistes, providing financial support to insolvent and ailing artistes, necessary assistance to the family members in case of death of any artiste, and implementing other programmes to be taken by the trust.

An official of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said that the proposed law has been formulated in line with the Prime Minister’s directive to provide financial assistance to insolvent and incapable artistes for their welfare as well as the treatment.

He also said that the film artistes who will get benefit from the artiste welfare trust’ of the Cultural Affairs Ministry, will not be eligible for getting any grant from the proposed Bangladesh Film Artiste Welfare Trust.