The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is contemplating a reassessment of the announcement for the National Film Awards 2023 due to claims that the recommendations made by the jury were not completely reflected in the final roster.
Sources within the Ministry disclosed that steps have been initiated to reach out to members of the jury panel, and a formal review process is likely to commence soon. This decision follows queries raised regarding various categories, such as the lifetime achievement accolade and the best screenplay award.
A significant concern revolves around the lifetime achievement category. The official gazette lists two awardees—renowned filmmaker Tareque Masud, deceased on August 13, 2011, and cinematographer and director Abdul Latif Bachchu, who passed away on January 4, 2026.
However, clause 1(b) of the guidelines for the National Film Awards states that the lifetime achievement honor should be conferred upon living individuals. The inclusion of two deceased recipients has led to doubts regarding adherence to the stipulated rules.
Controversy has also surfaced concerning the film “Roktojoba,” with allegations that an individual was granted the best screenplay award despite not being the scriptwriter.
Insiders familiar with the awards procedure mentioned that the jury panel had initially recommended veteran actress Shabnam and filmmaker Ilias Javed for the lifetime achievement recognition.
Maksud Jamil Mintu, a member of the National Film Awards jury committee, informed Prothom Alo that the judges had unanimously agreed on the outcomes during their discussions.
“We, as judges, had reached a consensus on the results. There was no discord regarding the lifetime achievement award or any other categories. However, following the publication of the gazette, it became apparent that the decisions of the jury were not entirely reflected in certain instances,” he stated.
“As a judge, I anticipate that the final gazette mirrors the jury’s verdict accurately. Hence, a review would be appreciated.”
Singer and jury member Nazmun Munira Nancy also highlighted that certain recommendations were disregarded.
“After the gazette was released, we observed that our viewpoints were overlooked in several instances. It is the government’s duty to maintain transparency and avoid controversies in the National Film Awards,” she emphasized.
“If the review necessitates reconvening the jury, I am prepared to participate.”
Multiple sources associated with the awards process indicated that the jury typically puts forward two nominees in each category. The individual with the highest score is designated as the primary nominee, while the second-highest scorer is proposed as an alternative.
In most cases, the top-scoring candidate emerges as the winner. On occasion, the ministry and jury may jointly opt to honor both the primary and alternative nominees. Nevertheless, judges generally do not agree to exclude the top-ranked candidate when the final gazette is issued.
It is reported that the current controversy stems from concerns that this protocol may not have been adhered to.
Officials at the ministry noted that the review aims to prevent further disputes and guarantee that the final roster accurately reflects the jury’s evaluations. The lifetime achievement category and various other awards are anticipated to be scrutinized.
The jury panel for the National Film Awards 2023 was reformed on September 15, 2024. The judges completed the screening of the submitted films by the last week of February 2025 and forwarded their recommendations to the ministry on March 4.
The official gazette unveiling the winners was released almost 11 months later, on January 29, 2026.
In light of the allegations of rule infractions and the potential neglect of jury suggestions, the ministry is now progressing towards a reevaluation of the awards. Officials involved express their hope that the review process will culminate in a final list that upholds transparency and is devoid of controversies.
