Trust to be formed to ensure welfare of artistes

Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Welfare Trust Bill, 2021, aiming to ensure the welfare of actors and actresses as well as provide financial support to insolvent and ailing artistes, was passed in parliament on Saturday.

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud moved the bill and it was passed by voice vote.

The main objectives of the bill are to ensure the welfare of film actors and actresses, provide financial support to insolvent, incapable and ailing artistes, assist the family members in the case of death of an artiste, and implement other programs to be undertaken by the trust.

There will be a 13-member board, headed by the information minister as its chairman, to run the trust while a managing director will be there to act as the executive chief of the trust.

The tenure of the members will be three years from their appointment date.

The office of the board will be in Dhaka. It will hold at least one meeting every four months.

The trust can receive grants and loans for its operation with prior permission.