A discussion titled "Implementation of the Law to Control Smoking Scenes in Films: Duties of Stakeholders" was held at the Information Building on February 25, 2026. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Feb 27, 2026 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Film Certification Board (BFCB) today said a news report and a viral photo card circulated on social media claiming that films containing smoking scenes would be denied National Film Awards are misleading and not based on any official decision.

In a statement, the Board said the headline 'No National Award if Smoking Scenes in Films' and the misrepresentation of speeches by guests created confusion among the public.

The clarification followed a discussion titled “Implementation of Law to Control Smoking Scenes in Films: Duties of the Stakeholders,” held at the Tathya Bhaban on February 25, 2026.
 
The programme was jointly organised by the BFCB and Madakdrobbo O Nesha Nirodh Sangstha-MANAS.

The Board said one of the speakers had presented the issue as a personal proposal during the meeting. 

The discussion mainly focused on ensuring proper implementation of tobacco control laws, discouraging the depiction of smoking scenes in films, dramas and OTT contents, and identifying measures to protect children and adolescents.

It categorically stated that no decision was taken at the meeting that films portraying smoking scenes would be barred from receiving National Film Awards. 
The Board also said neither the meeting nor the Certification Board has the jurisdiction to take such a decision.

The statement said the Board operates under specific laws and regulations and has no scope to go beyond its prescribed guidelines.

Referring to the report, the Board said remarks attributed to its Vice-Chairman were inaccurately presented. 

He did not say that steps would be taken to stop smoking scenes in films. Rather, he said the Certification Board would play its due role in ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations regarding the depiction of smoking in films.

The Board said the confusion stemmed from a misleading headline and misrepresentation of statements in a press release issued by MANAS. 
It lodged a strong protest in this regard and said the board would remain more cautious in future.

It added that MANAS has already admitted the mistake and issued a corrective press release.