DHAKA, Nov 1, 2021 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan 
Mahmud today hoped Bangladesh Film and Television Institute (BCTI) would play 
a vital role in taking the society ahead side by side with giving 
entertainment through films and TV programmes produced by its trainees. 

  "Films and programme produced by BCTI trainees will show the path to 
people, including the new generation, to come out from the tendency of 
chasing towards money and fame," he said.

  Hasan, also Awami League Joint General Secretary, was addressing a function 
with the slogan "Sangskritik Agrojatrai Nobotaranga" marking the 8th 
foundation anniversary of BCTI at Tathya Bhaban auditorium at Kakrail in the 
city. 

  Information and Broadcasting Secretary and BCTI Board of Governors Chairman 
Md Mokbul Hossain chaired the function while BCTI Chief Executive Md. Abul 
Kalam Azad, Academic Council Chair Prof Dr AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan, Course 
Director M Hamid and BCTI Alumni Association President Mahbub Hossain 
addressed it. 

   Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting 
Ministry Kh. Momota Hena Lovely, MP, film director Gazi Rakayet, actors 
Ferdous Ahmed and Tarin Jahan also joined the function, among others. 

   Hasan Mahmud said the country's private-run televisions began its journey 
since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assumed office in 1996. He said now there 
are 45 private television channels in the country and these channels employ 
many people. 

  "Works are underway to give new life to the film industry to boost up this 
once popular entertainment industry," he said. 

  He said BCTI has been established for imparting necessary training in the 
sector. 

  The films produced by BCTI trainees were awarded at the national and 
international arena, he said, adding that the ministry also gives grants for 
making quality films.

  The minister said the government has decided to introduce a master degree 
at the institute considering its role in imparting short, medium and long 
term training in producing time-befitting films and TV programmes.

  On the occasion, the guests handed over the honorary crest to selected 
eight filmmakers and television programme directors among the trainees. 
Later, 13 documentaries were screened.