A seminar on allocations for the film and culture sectors in the proposed 2026–27 national budget called for increased investment, greater transparency and stronger institutional support for Bangladesh’s creative industries.
Organised by the National Film Movement, the discussion titled “Allocations for Film and Culture Sectors in the Proposed FY2026–27 Budget” was held on June 20 at the seminar room of the Theatre and Film Department of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Among those present were Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation General Secretary Kamal Bayezid, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi’s Film, Fine Arts and Research Secretary Sajib Tanvir, filmmaker Nargis Akter, producer Shahrin Sumi and Policy Think and Economic Research Centre Chairman Md Majedul Haque.
The seminar, moderated by filmmaker Akram Khan, featured a keynote paper presented by Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies General Secretary Mohammad Nurullah.
In his paper, Nurullah described the proposed budget’s recognition of the creative economy as a significant step forward, noting that it marks the first time the sector has been formally identified as a key driver of national economic development. He said the initiative could open new opportunities for film, audiovisual content, animation, gaming, OTT platforms and other cultural industries.
He also referred to the government’s proposed allocation of Tk 300 crore for the creative economy, alongside plans to mobilise an additional Tk 500 crore from Bangladesh Bank’s CSR fund, creating a combined Tk 800 crore support framework for the sector.
At the same time, speakers expressed concern over the overall allocation for culture, arguing that it remains inadequate. The proposed budget earmarks Tk 826 crore for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, a figure many stakeholders say falls short of long-standing demands to allocate at least 1 percent of the national budget to culture.
The discussion concluded with several recommendations, including raising cultural allocations to at least 1 percent of the national budget, increasing creative economy funding to Tk 500 crore, establishing a permanent National Creative Industries Commission, reopening closed cinema halls, improving cultural infrastructure at district and upazila levels, and withdrawing VAT and supplementary duties on the import of modern cinema equipment.
Participants also proposed the formation of a dedicated cultural protection taskforce to ensure the safety of cultural activities and artists across the country.
Speakers unanimously agreed that greater investment in film and culture is essential to building a democratic, inclusive and humane Bangladesh.
