Celebrated filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has been appointed as an adviser to the interim government, taking his oath at Bangabhaban today at around 7:30 pm. Known for groundbreaking films such as ‘Television’ and ‘Doob - No Bed of Roses’ Farooki’s contribution to Bangladeshi cinema is well-recognized, and his appointment marks a significant moment for the nation’s cultural community.
The filmmaker’s new role has sparked excitement across social media, with people from the arts and media sharing congratulatory messages. Swapan Ahmed, director of ‘Porobashinee’ and ‘Lal Tip’ expressed his pride, stating, "Congratulations, Farooki bhai! I hope that this appointment brings positive changes for artists, media, and everyone in our industry." Many see Farooki as an ideal representative, given his long-standing dedication to both cinema and social causes.
Farooki, an outspoken supporter of the recent student-led mass movement, has used his platform to advocate for change. His influence stretches beyond film; his production company, Chabial, has been instrumental in producing a wide range of dramas, films, and advertisements. This latest role builds on a career that spans over 25 years, marked by memorable works such as ‘Bachelor’, ‘Made in Bangladesh’, and ‘Ant Story’.
Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim administration on August 8, with Farooki now joining this team. Khijir Hayat Khan, another prominent filmmaker, also joined the Certification Board recently, celebrating the arrival of artists in advisory positions. In 2018, Farooki’s ‘Doob’ was selected as Bangladesh’s Oscar entry, gaining international praise for its thoughtful exploration of happiness, loneliness, and human psychology. His voice remains influential, and his new role brings hope for a strengthened cultural sector, promising increased support and representation for artists and creators across Bangladesh.
