What Biman says about dropping Lalsalu, Chitra Nodir Pare
Collected Photo
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has pulled Lalsalu and Chitra Nodir Pare from its in-flight lineup, calling the removal a routine rotation of its in-flight entertainment system.
This decision has sparked widespread discussion across social media. For a long time, Biman Bangladesh Airlines screened many Bangla movies, including these two films, on its flights. The firm “Black and White” supplies films to Biman.
Black and White Owner Kazi Reeton told Agamir Somoy, “Lalsalu and Chitra Nodir Pare have not been screened for about a month. Biman authorities will be able to provide more details in this regard. We were informed that the two films have been shown for more than 10 years. Therefore, a decision has been taken not to show them for the time being. Most movies are not shown for such a long time. In contrast, these two movies have been screened regularly for many years.”
Biman Bangladesh Airlines General Manager Mohiuddin Ahmed sent a written statement to Agamir Somoy via WhatsApp. In that statement, the official said, “Biman’s internal entertainment system is regularly changed or rotated. Biman Bangladesh Airlines usually changes its list of movies, TV shows, and audio on a quarterly basis. Changes must be made on a quarterly basis due to licensing agreements, storage limitations, and passenger satisfaction.”
Mohiuddin Ahmed added, “Biman Bangladesh Airlines does not own the movies or shows it displays and purchases temporary display rights from media brokers through content service providers. These licensing agreements grant streaming rights for a specific period (content cycle). When each content cycle changes, the airline is legally obligated to remove that content. Moreover, the physical server storage inside an aircraft is also limited.”
He added that maintaining an unlimited media library on Biman’s hard drive is impossible and authorities must delete older content to create room for adding new material.
According to the airline authority, “The list of movies, TV shows, and audio is also regularly changed or rotated to maintain passenger satisfaction. Airlines rely heavily on business travelers and frequent flyers. If the IFE menu remains unchanged, these important passengers will quickly find nothing new to watch and will become dissatisfied. Customer experience is always kept attractive through regular content changes.”
Directed by Tanvir Mokammel, the movie Lalsalu was released in 2001. The film featured Raisul Islam Asad, Aly Zaker, Tauquir Ahmed, Mehbuba Mahnoor Chandni, Amirul Haq Chowdhury, Chitralekha Guha, Rawshan Zamil, Munira Yusuf Memi, and several others in various roles.
Meanwhile, the film Chitra Nodir Pare, released in 1998, starred Momtazuddin Ahmed, Afsana Mimi, Tauquir Ahmed, Rawshan Zamil, Sumita Devi, and others. Both Lalsalu and Chitra Nodir Pare won National Film Awards across several categories.
