The International Federation of Film Critics, known as FIPRESCI, has imposed a three-month ban on the International Film Critics Association of Bangladesh (IFCAB) for Violating rules at the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF).

In a letter sent to the organizers of the film festival on February 10, FIPRESCI President Ahmed Shawky informed them about the punitive action.

“The National Section of Bangladesh will be banned from participation in FIPRESCI juries for three months, starting with the date of this letter,” it reads.

The letter said FIPRESCI launched an internal investigation regarding the complaints it received about the formation of the FIPRESCI jury in the International Dhaka Film Festival (held in January last) and the list of eligible films, including the films that won its awards.

“While we are certain of best intentions and we respect Mr Mofidul Haque as a long-time colleague and respected film critic, we must note the following breaches of our statutes & regulations. (1) Selecting a film in a competitive section that is made by someone who works for the festival. Whilst the festival has the full right to select its line-up, this film should have been removed from the list of films competing for the FIPRESCI award and (2) having a jury member who is involved (in any capacity) with the festival organization,” the letter says.

It said although FIPRESCI made sure the jury deliberations took place in a free and democratic manner, statutes have been violated.

Therefore, the board kindly requests a written acknowledgement from both the National Section and the Festival to confirm that such violations will not happen in future, the letter said.

“We are all in a continuous learning process, and mistakes can happen, but we must hold the festival responsible for the breach of statutes and ensure they are observed,” it reads.

Since 1996, the International Film Critics Association of Bangladesh (FIPRESCI) has been operating as the Bangladesh chapter of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). Like other festivals worldwide, the Dhaka International Film Festival also presents FIPRESCI awards. IFICAB was associated with it as the Bangladesh chapter.

International Film Critics Association of Bangladesh (IFCAB) has been working as the Bangladesh chapter of FIPRESCI since 1996. Like other festivals in the world, the Dhaka International Film Festival also provides FIPRESCI Award through the involvement of IFCAB as the Bangladesh chapter of FIPRESCI.

The Rainbow Film Society organised the DIFF from January 22 to 28, showcasing an array of international films at prominent venues across the capital.