The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is contemplating a reassessment of the publication that declared the National Film Awards 2023 following claims that not all of the jury’s suggestions were accurately represented in the ultimate roster.
Sources within the Ministry revealed that steps have been initiated to reach out to members of the jury panel, with a formal review process potentially commencing soon. This action comes in the wake of raised queries concerning various award categories, notably the lifetime achievement accolade and the best screenplay honor.
A central concern revolves around the lifetime achievement classification. The announcement includes two awardees—esteemed filmmaker Tareque Masud, who passed away on August 13, 2011, and cinematographer/director Abdul Latif Bachchu, who passed away on January 4, 2026.
Nevertheless, section 1(b) of the National Film Awards guidelines specifies that the lifetime achievement recognition is intended for living individuals. Therefore, the inclusion of two deceased individuals has triggered doubts about adherence to the regulations.
A dispute has also surfaced surrounding the film “Roktojoba,” amid assertions that an individual was granted the best screenplay award despite not being the actual scriptwriter.
Sources familiar with the awards process disclosed that the jury had initially proposed veteran actress Shabnam and filmmaker Ilias Javed for the lifetime achievement award.
Maksud Jamil Mintu, a member of the National Film Awards jury committee, informed Prothom Alo that the judges had collectively reached a consensus on the outcomes during their discussions.
He stated, “We, the judges, had unanimously agreed on the outcomes. There was no contention over the lifetime achievement award or any other categories. However, following the publication of the gazette, it became apparent that the jury’s decisions were not entirely reflected in certain instances.”
“As a judge, I always anticipate that the final gazette mirrors the jury’s verdict. Therefore, a review would be positively received.”
Similarly, singer and jury member Nazmun Munira Nancy asserted that some recommendations had been disregarded.
“After the gazette was released, it was evident that our viewpoints were dismissed in several instances. It is the government’s duty to maintain transparency and prevent controversies surrounding the National Film Awards,” she remarked.
“If the review necessitates the jury reconvening, I am prepared to participate.”
Numerous sources tied to the awards process revealed that the jury typically recommends two nominees for each category. The individual with the highest score is designated as the primary candidate, while the runner-up is suggested as an alternative.
In most cases, the top-scoring candidate emerges as the winner. On occasions, the ministry and jury might jointly opt to honor both the primary and alternative nominees. Nevertheless, judges seldom agree to exclude the top-ranked candidate upon the final gazette’s release.
Sources indicated that the current controversy stems from apprehensions that this protocol may not have been adhered to.
Ministry officials emphasized that the review aims to prevent further contention and ensure that the final list accurately mirrors the jury’s evaluations. The lifetime achievement category and several other accolades are poised for scrutiny.
The jury panel for the National Film Awards 2023 was reconstituted on September 15, 2024. Judges concluded watching the submitted films by the final week of February 2025 and forwarded their recommendations to the ministry on March 4.
The official publication declaring the winners was made nearly 11 months later, on January 29, 2026.
In light of the rule infringement allegations and the potential dismissal of jury recommendations, the ministry is now progressing towards an evaluation of the awards. Engaged officials express hope that the reassessment will yield a definitive roster that is transparent and devoid of controversy.