The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a revised gazette for the National Film Awards 2023, introducing changes to the Lifetime Achievement and Best Screenplay categories following a review of the originally announced results.

The ministry had first announced the awards on January 29 through a gazette notification, naming winners across 28 categories. At the time, filmmaker Tareque Masud and cinematographer-director Abdul Latif Bachchu were selected for Lifetime Achievement honours, while “Satao” won Best Film, and its director, Khandaker Sumon, received the Best Director award. Afran Nisho was named Best Actor for “Surongo”, and Aynun Nahar Putul won Best Actress for “Satao”.
 

Following the announcement, questions emerged over whether some of the jury board's recommendations had been fully reflected in the final results. The controversy particularly centred on the Lifetime Achievement and Best Screenplay categories.

According to ministry sources, jury board members were consulted in March as part of a review process initiated by the ministry.

The revised gazette, published on Tuesday, makes a significant change to the Lifetime Achievement category.

Under the January notification, Tareque Masud and Abdul Latif Bachchu had been named recipients of the honour. However, the National Film Awards policy states that the Lifetime Achievement Award is intended for living recipients. As both had passed away before the publication of the gazette, the decision prompted criticism and debate within the film community.

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The amended notification states that Tareque Masud and Abdul Latif Bachchu will instead receive posthumous recognition for their contributions to Bangladeshi cinema.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will now be jointly awarded to veteran actress Shabnam and film editor Fazle Haque. Sources familiar with the process said Shabnam's name had been included in the jury board's original recommendations. The Best Screenplay category has also been revised.

In the January gazette, Niamul Mukta was named Best Screenplay writer for “Roktojoba”. Questions later surfaced regarding the authorship of the screenplay.

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Photos: Collected

Following the review, the ministry has replaced that selection with Tasneemul Hasan, whose name now appears in the revised notification as the recipient of the Best Screenplay award for “Roktojoba”.

No other major changes have been announced to the awards list. The revised gazette is expected to settle months of discussion surrounding the 2023 National Film Awards and align the final results with the findings of the review process.