A claim circulating on social media that films ‘Lalsalu’ and ‘Chitra Nodir Pare’ by filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel have been banned from Biman Bangladesh Airlines is misleading, according to the national flag carrier.

The films were temporarily removed from Biman’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) list as part of its regular quarterly content update cycle, not because of any ban, according to a fact-check report published by investigative platform The Dissent on Wednesday.

The claim originated from a Facebook page named ‘Tanvir Mokammel’s Films’, which said Biman had declined to show the two films for an unspecified reason. The claim subsequently drew attention on social media.

Citing Biman’s public relations department, The Dissent reported that the airline’s IFE system is operated in accordance with international standards and licensing agreements. Content is updated every three months based on factors including server storage capacity, licensing periods and the need to offer passengers a varied selection of entertainment.

According to a source cited by the report, ‘Lalsalu’ had been shown on Biman flights from 2016 until June 2025, while ‘Chitra Nodir Pare’ remained in the system from 2016 until August 2024.

The report said Biman resumed a regular quarterly content rotation for films following the 2024 mass uprising, after the two films had remained in the IFE system for several years.

Citing a written statement from Biman, The Dissent said the airline purchases temporary screening rights from content service providers for specified periods. Once a licensing agreement expires, the film has to be removed from the system as a legal requirement.

Biman also confirmed that another popular Tanvir Mokammel film, ‘Lalon’, is still available for passengers to watch on its flights.