“I do not know how this award was given to me.”
The Bangladeshi film fraternity found itself embroiled in controversy after filmmaker Niamul Mukta publicly rejected a National Film Award linked to Roktojoba.
The dispute emerged after the official announcement of the 2023 National Film Awards, released by the authorities.
In the published winners list, Mukta was named Best Screenplay Writer for Roktojoba, a film he directed.
The director clarified that he was not the screenplay writer of the project.
Taking to Facebook, Mukta expressed visible discomfort and confusion over the announcement and the process behind it.
“I did not write the screenplay of the film. The screenplay was written by Muhammad Tasnimul Hasan Taj.
“I do not know how this award was given to me.”
Following the statement, Mukta formally refused to accept the National Film Award, citing ethical responsibility and transparency.
“I am rejecting the National Film Award 2023 for Best Screenplay Writer.
“At the same time, I would be happy to see this award handed over to Muhammad Tasnimul Hasan Taj as the rightful screenplay writer.”
The situation intensified as questions arose regarding the eligibility of Roktojoba under existing award regulations.
According to official guidelines, films must receive Bangladesh Film Censor Board clearance and be theatrically released during the relevant year.
Short films and documentaries are exempt, but feature films require a cinema release to qualify for National Film Awards.
In this case, Roktojoba was never screened in theatres, despite receiving censor clearance back in 2022.
The film instead premiered on the OTT platform iScreen during Eid-ul-Azha in June 2023.
At the time, the streaming service announced the film could be viewed with a subscription fee of Tk 25.
When questioned about the apparent violation, a senior jury board official admitted uncertainty regarding the selection process.
The official candidly remarked: “I do not know exactly. I will need to check the guidelines.
“The decision on which films received awards was taken at a higher level from advisers to the Cabinet Division.”
The official further explained: “We were involved throughout the process, but the final decision was taken by them.”
“What decision will be taken now regarding this issue, I honestly do not know.”
Niamul Mukta later acknowledged his own lack of awareness regarding award submission rules and theatrical requirements.
“The film received censor clearance in 2022, but I was unable to release Roktojoba in cinemas.
“To this day, I do not know where or in which cinema halls the film was screened.”
He added that he was unaware that a film without a theatrical release could not qualify for National Film Awards.
According to the director, the production company Impress Telefilm submitted the film for award consideration.
Roktojoba features a reflective narrative centred on a retired headmaster revisiting unresolved memories from his past.
The cast includes Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Sariful Razz, Lutfur Rahman George, Shilpi Sarkar Apu, and Jayita Mohalanobish.
The film’s story and screenplay were penned by Muhammad Tasnimul Hasan, with Abu Shahed Emon serving as creative producer.
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