Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday said the Bangabandhu Film City in Gazipur will be turned into a world-class establishment within the shortest possible time.

“…Within the shortest possible time, this [Bangabandhu Film City] will be turned into an international standard film city,” he told reporters during his visit to the site.

Information Secretary Abdul Malek and Bangabandhu Film City Managing Director Md Abdul Karim, among others, accompanied the minister during the visit.

The preliminary works of Bangabandhu Film City construction on a 105-acre land is almost completed, Dr Hasan said.

He said Bangladesh and India are going to jointly make a film on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, commemorating the golden jubilee of the country’s independence.

The minister said noted Indian director Shyam Benegal, helming the Bangladesh-India co-production, has already visited Bangabandhu Film City and wished to shoot some parts of the film there.

The decision to jointly produce a feature film on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with a documentary on Bangladesh’s Liberation War is the outcome of an improved bilateral and diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries.

This initiative can further strengthen the bond through the exchange of audio-visual programmes and making Indo-Bangla films and documentaries.

The Bangabandhu Film City will not only be used for shooting purposes, but will also serve as a recreation centre -- having market, restaurant, a lake, a garden and forests, among other attractions and amenities.