Members of Bangladesh’s film and television industry are coming together to support ailing artistes through fundraising initiatives and collective action.
Families of several sick industry professionals have recently sought financial assistance for treatment. Scriptwriter, director and producer Matia Banu Shuku is battling cancer, and her family has requested government support. Dance director Zakir Hossain, who is also suffering from cancer, has made a similar appeal. Meanwhile, filmmaker Shahnewaz Kakoli has been unwell for a long time, and his family is struggling to cover medical expenses.
In response, organisations representing film and television professionals have announced plans to raise funds for medical support. These include concerts, film screenings and art exhibitions. The initiative is being led by bodies such as the Bangladesh Film Directors Association and the Directors’ Guild, along with other industry groups.
On Thursday at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), producer Khourshed Alam Khosru handed over Tk 100,000 to filmmaker Nurul Alam Atique, the husband of Matia Banu Shuku, to support her treatment. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Directors’ Guild president Shahiduzzaman Selim, filmmaker Kazi Hayat, and actress Rozina. They expressed a shared commitment to stand beside sick artistes.
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Director Shahin Sumon, president of the Film Directors Association, said, “Artistes and technicians have long been neglected. Now is the time for change. Economic freedom is very important. Anyone can fall ill at any time. If everyone tries according to their ability, things will become much easier.”
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Producer Khourshed Alam Khosru said, “We, filmmakers, artistes and technicians, are not doing well. We need government patronage so that we do not have to go to everyone for help. We had a welfare trust, but it has become inactive. I demand that it be reactivated. Leaders from all organisations are here. Everyone has expressed the desire to work together for sick artistes. If we stay united, no one will have to seek help publicly in the future.”
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Directors’ Guild president Shahiduzzaman Selim said, “We want to stand beside artistes and technicians in times of crisis. That is why organisations related to television drama and film have united. We want to create a fund involving everyone. We also want to involve industry entrepreneurs. To raise funds, we plan to organise large concerts, film screenings and art exhibitions. Everyone needs to come forward. Government support would also be very helpful in terms of treatment. We want to carry out this work in unity.”
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Actress Rozina said, “If everyone from film and television works together, a lot can be done for sick artistes. A fund can be created to provide medical support. We also hope that the welfare trust for artistes will remain active, so that those who are unwell can receive assistance from it.”
Masuma Rahman Tani, managing director of BFDC, praised the initiative and assured cooperation. Others present at the meeting included actors Helal Khan, Shiba Shanu, Rumana Islam Mukti, and Directors Association general secretary Shahin Kabir Tutul.
The initiative reflects a growing effort within the industry to build a support system for its vulnerable members and ensure that no artiste has to struggle alone during times of illness.
