The Bangladesh Cinema and Television Institute (BCTI) recently awarded certificates to 60 participants who completed four short-term training courses. These programs, held for the first time under BCTI’s supervision in 2025, concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony and a cultural event under the banner of “Festival of Youth.”
The event was graced by Md. Mahfuz Alam, Advisor at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as the chief guest. Special guest Mahbuba Farzana, Secretary of the same ministry, also addressed the audience.
Other notable attendees included Muhammad Hiruzzaman NDC, Director General of the National Institute of Mass Communication, course mentors, and BCTI Governing Body members Rafiqul Anwar, Md. Arifur Rahman, and Nayla Azad Nupur. The program was chaired by Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, Chief Executive Officer of BCTI.
Four Courses Conducted:
- Basic Film Course
- 2nd Film Appreciation Course
- 3rd Film Editing Training Module
- 8th Film and Television Acting Training Course
At the certificate ceremony, the short films and documentaries created by the trainees were screened. Following that, each participant received a certificate and a token of appreciation.
A Call for Technical Education & Film Diplomacy
Chief guest Md. Mahfuz Alam emphasized the importance of technical education in nation-building. He urged the trainees to apply their knowledge practically and highlighted film as a powerful global medium for portraying Bangladesh’s true identity.
“Cinema is a universal language with global market potential,” he said. “Bangla films, if crafted to international standards, can be dubbed and exported commercially. There’s a huge audience among the global Bengali-speaking community.”
He also proposed that BCTI organize another round of short-term training courses focusing on the wounded student protestors from the 2024 mass uprising, as part of the ongoing “Festival of Youth 2025” initiative.
Secretary’s Remarks and Institutional Hopes
Special guest Mahbuba Farzana expressed optimism about the future of BCTI and highlighted its evolving role. Other speakers, including DG Hiruzzaman NDC, instructor Rafiqul Anwar, and BCTI CEO Shamsuddin, addressed the attendees.
Veteran filmmakers, journalists, parents, and trainees were present at the BCTI auditorium. Prominent industry figures such as Nargis Akhter, Shakur Majid, and Fazle Haque shared words of encouragement, urging professionals to open doors for emerging talents.
Student Projects Highlight Social Issues
Under the four courses, trainees produced:
- Four documentaries and one short film on the July 36 student movement
- One green-themed short film
- One documentary on the salt industry of Cox’s Bazar
Participation Summary by Course:
- Basic Film Course: 27 trainees, mentored by Md. Arifur Rahman
- 2nd Film Appreciation Course: 11 trainees, mentored by Labib Najmus Sakib & Rafiqul Anwar
- 3rd Film Editing Course: 13 trainees, mentored by Iqbal Kabir Jewel
- 8th Acting & Set Design Course: 9 trainees, mentored by Nayla Azad Nupur & Akhtanin Khayer Tanin
Throughout the courses, renowned industry trainers provided hands-on guidance to participants.
Closing with Culture
The event concluded with a vibrant cultural performance by the BCTI trainees, celebrating creativity, youth, and cinematic expression under the ongoing Festival of Youth 2025.
