Bangladeshi film director, producer, and screenplay writer Mostofa Sarwar Farooki ushered in a new wave in the Bangladeshi drama and film industry in the early 2000s. His vision redefined storytelling, breaking away from traditional screenplays and conventions. His works, from advertisements to feature films, captivated audiences and reshaped industry norms. He also paved the way for Bangladeshi cinema’s emergence on the global stage. Let’s explore the iconic films and dramas that defined Farooki's career in the creative sector. Top 10 Films & Dramas by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki  . Bachelor | 2004 Written by acclaimed writer Anisul Hoque, this comedy-romantic movie marks Farooki's directorial debut. Through witty humor, the film depicts the lives, loves, and emotions of a group of bachelors, each representing the essence of modern youth. The cast features celebrated actors like Humayun Faridi, Ferdous Ahmed, Shabnur, and Ahmed Rubel. It also introduced talents like Aupee Karim, Jaya Ahsan, and Marzuk Russell to Bangladeshi cinema. Recognized internationally, ‘Bachelor’ was officially selected at the New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Fest, Third Eye IFF in Mumbai, and Italy’s Asiatica Filmmedia. Made in Bangladesh | 2006 Based on the novel ‘Jimmi’ by Anisul Hoque, this political satire captures the frustrations of Bangladesh’s disillusioned youth. Farooki crafts a bold narrative through the character of Khorshed, an unemployed young man played by Zahid Hasan. He confronts the pervasive corruption and social injustice that affect every aspect of life. Shahiduzzaman Selim, Rosey Siddique, Tariq Anam Khan, Srabosti Dutta Tinni, Tania Ahmed, Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Hasan Masood, Marzuk Russell, and Fazlur Rahman Babu round out the cast. Praised for its daring commentary, this movie received a Special Mention from the Jury Board at the 2008 Dhaka International Film Festival. Carrom-1 and 2 | 2006 This two-episode telefilm, co-written by Farooki and Kochi Khondokar, brings humor and heart to the tale of Shafiqul, who has a physical ailment–an issue with his finger. He faces ridicule from neighbors who doubt his ability to win at the carrom game. He accepts the challenge of defeating Tapan, a renowned local player.  ‘Carrom’ featured Mosharraf Karim, who charmed audiences with his quirky and heartfelt performance. The cast also includes Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Rifat Chowdhury, Kochi Khondokar, Bappi Ashraf, and Ishtiaq Ahmed Rumel. 420 | 2007-2008 With a compelling portrayal of local politics, this drama series is one of Farooki's most celebrated works on television. The comedy serial centers on two brothers from a rural background who find themselves unintentionally involved in the city’s political scene. As the brothers rise to influence, they quickly discover the murky compromises and ethical challenges. Starring Mosharraf Karim and Lutfur Rahman George as the central duo, the series boasts actors including Tisha, Sohel Khan, Marzuk Russell, Rifat Chowdhury, Kochi Khondokar, and Siddiqur Rahman. Their performances, combined with Farooki’s insightful writing and direction, made 420 a cultural touchstone for Bangladeshi audiences. Sixty Nine | 2008-2009 Jointly created by Anisul Hoque and Farooki, this popular family drama series provides an authentic look at a family, where traditional bonds test modern life’s demands. The storyline revolves around a family with six children who live together in a single apartment building, yet they struggle to spare quality time amid their busy lives.  The drama series features an ensemble cast that includes Tisha, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Hasan Masood, Jaya Ahsan, Srabosti Dutta Tinni, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Ahmed Rubel, Marzuk Russell, and Rifat Chowdhury. Farooki’s direction shines as he balances lighthearted storytelling with insights into family dynamics, creating a series that resonates with audiences of all generations.

Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Saturday said Bangladesh and China "should deepen the strategic partnership" for cooperation and explore new growth points. "China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)," he said. In particular, the ambassador said, they are willing to promote upgrading of industries and digitalization process in Bangladesh, and to improve the quality and competitiveness of “Made in Bangladesh”. He was delivering keynote speech at a symposium as part of the Cosmos Dialogue Ambassadors’ Lecture Series entitled "Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future" at a hotel in Dhaka. The discussion was chaired and conducted by President of Cosmos Foundation and renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury. While delivering the welcome remarks, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan said Bangladesh and China are moving closer together as friends on the international stage. The ties received a major boost during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China in 2019 and the watershed point of this transformation was President Xi Jinping’s all-important visit to Bangladesh in 2016, he said, adding that this heralded the beginning of the “strategic partnership”. "It is a great source of inspiration to Bangladeshis as we witness China’s peaceful rise. We know from President Xi that the Chinese people have a dream; so do we in Bangladesh as we strive to achieve middle-income status, of which we are on the cusp," Khan said. "It is my firmest conviction that ties with China will continue to form the bedrock of our efforts to fulfill these aspirations," he added. Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said it appears to all of them that China is rising; and the Chinese saw this as a peaceful rise. “Now, being even more careful, they no longer talk of ‘peaceful rise’ but only peaceful development,” he said, adding that established global powers, of course, see this as a threat. Referring to PM Hasina’s visit to Beijing in 2014 and President Xi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2016, he said these visits saw an “all-weather” friendship elevate to a strategic partnership. Dr Iftekhar said Bangladesh-China relations are, therefore, emerging as an equation in the diplomatic calculations in Asia that will not fully show for itself tomorrow, nor the day after but in the long run in a continent where time for many is not the essence. Also Read:Momen sees hope for Rohingyas' repatriation in latest Chinese initiative Ambassador Yao said his country has noticed the “Indo-Pacific Outlook of Bangladesh” released recently, and believes that many of its ideas are similar to those of China.    

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Thursday inaugurated the exhibition "Made in Bangladesh" at a local hotel in South Africa's Pretoria. The exhibition was organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria. Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and the Black Business Council of South Africa also joined hands. South African government officials, chamber representatives, business personalities and ambassadors based in Pretoria joined the event. The guests highly appreciated the jute, ceramic, textiles, leather, food products and handicrafts of Bangladesh which were put on display.  Also, a seminar was organised on the occasion where the state minister urged South African businesses and investors to engage more with Bangladesh. He cited the different emerging industrial sectors of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh high commissioner, South African chamber officials and the foreign ministry officials of South Africa also spoke.  The South African foreign ministry representative in her speech referred to the close and traditional bonds between Bangladesh and South Africa. She lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh's progress towards achieving Vision 2041. She urged the Bangladeshi businessmen to be more engaged with South Africa for benefitting from business opportunities there as well as for more cooperation between the chambers. The Black Business Council representative suggested that Bangladesh import various goods from South Africa given the large and growing consumer market of Bangladesh. He termed South Africa as a lucrative business destination and said Bangladeshi businessmen can reach out to other SADC countries from there. Earlier, the state minister had interaction with the representatives of BUSA at their office in Sandston. He was accompanied by the Bangladesh high commissioner in Pretoria and officials of the foreign ministry. The BUSA officials referred to the huge trade and business opportunities between Bangladesh and South Africa. The state minister called for joint efforts to realise the trade and business opportunities between Bangladesh and South Africa. He mentioned the economic strength of both countries, especially in the export sectors. The state minister invited the South African dignitaries and chambers to join the 50th-anniversary programmes of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry in March 2023 in Dhaka.  The BUSA delegation suggested holding mutual discussions to identify potential sectors of trade and Investment.  The state minister is paying official visits to South Africa, Eswatini and Botswana. He is due to have meetings with government dignitaries as well as chambers and business entities. Read more: PM opens ‘Made in Bangladesh Week-2022’    

The Bangladesh Data Center Company of the ICT Division and Gennext Technology Thursday (December 29, 2022) signed an agreement to set up a "Made in Bangladesh Cloud" data centre. Bangladesh Data Center Company Managing Director Abu Sayeed Chowdhury and Gennext Technology Chairman Touhidul Islam inked the deal. Read more: Colocity brings Microsoft Azure stack hub hybrid cloud to Bangladesh The "Meghna Cloud" data centre will be built using the technology and human resources of Bangladesh. The centre will help Bangladesh save foreign currency for the use and purchase of cloud technology. It will also be able to serve private and public organisations while keeping data within the country.  Read More: Top 10 Most Exciting Innovations of 2022 in Technology

The National Board of Revenue is supporting growth of local industries to promote economic development and create more jobs, said its chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem on Sunday. He was speaking at a press conference at the NBR Bhaban, to highlight the contribution of the revenue board to the national development. Through policy measures and tax incentives, NBR is encouraging ‘Made in Bangladesh’ along with the expansion of domestic industries and employment, he said. This will be continued even if some particular sectors are getting 10 years tax holiday facility, he said. Also read: NBR dreams to cross revenue Tk3.0 lakh crore in FY 22 Now, the revenue board earns 33 per cent of revenue from income tax, 38 per cent from Value Added Tax (VAT), and 28 per cent from import duty excise duty. “We are planning to extent tax net and VAT collection areas along with monitoring its submission to the treasury,” Muneem said. The NBR is achieveing 7 per cent growth in revenue collection. The country’s GDP size has become Tk4,449,919 crore in FY2022-23, a rise by 556 per cent compared to Tk 797,538 crore in FY2009-10, he said. The NBR Chairman said that NBR achieved satisfactory growth in the revenue collection in FY 22, with collection of Tk3.16 lakh crore. Also read: NBR to install 10,000 EFD to prevent VAT evasion In FY-11 (2010-11) the NBR’s revenue collection was Tk79403 crore which now stands at Tk 3.16 lakh crore. This jump in revenue earning contributed to implementing the annual development program (ADP). At the same time it helped cut dependency on foreign loans, Muneem said. At present, NBR is supporting 85 per cent of the budget from internal resources. Both the ADP size and foreign dependency on ADP implementation came down over the years as the impact of people's contribution to revenue, he said. In FY2010-11 the size of ADP was Tk35,880 crore which now climbed to Tk 217175 crore in FY 2021-22. Similarly, the contribution of revenue increased in ADP implementation and the ratio of foreign loans in the ADP implementation decreased, the NBR chief said. NBR members and senior revenue officials were present at the press conference.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has entered a partnership with US-based CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) to promote "Made in Bangladesh" by showcasing the country's success and potential in the international arena. Through this partnership, the apex trade body of Bangladesh's garments manufacturers will team up with CNN to sketch the stories of how the garment industry has been driving Bangladesh forward and contributing to building a more prosperous future it. CNNIC will showcase the compelling stories of Bangladesh's apparel sector – namely, the strides the country has made in ensuring workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers' wellbeing – said the BGMEA. Read: Apparel industry carrying 'Made in Bangladesh' mark across the world: BGMEA Steps taken by the industry to enhance competitiveness through innovation, diversification, technology upgrading, and upskilling will also be highlighted. The apex trade body signed a memorandum of understanding with CNNIC's local representative Spellbound Communications Sunday. Read: Apparel makers urged not to take export orders without justified rate BGMEA President Faruque Hassan inked the agreement in the presence of Dr Md Jafar Uddin, chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI). BGMEA Vice-President Shahidullah Azim, BFTI Director Md Obaidul Azam and Spellbound Communications Managing Director Mohammad Sadequl Arefeen were also present.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan Thursday said the readymade garments (RMG) industry is not only making a contribution to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh but also bringing glory to the nation. "The apparel industry is carrying the 'Made in Bangladesh' trademark across the world and we are all proud of it. The industry belongs to all people of this country. The development of the sector means the development of Bangladesh and betterment of its people," he said. The BGMEA chief said the next phase of Bangladesh's economic growth will largely depend on the industrial sector where the apparel industry will play a pivotal role. "So it is everyone's responsibility to protect the industry." Read:BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh' Faruque was speaking at the event "Sustainability of the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: Policies, Scopes and Constraints" organised by Solidaridad Network Asia and ESTex Foundation at a city hotel. The programme aimed to provide a platform to policymakers and sectoral stakeholders to highlight the policy gaps and needs and constraints and to explore new opportunities and initiate pathways for implementing solutions to the environmental, social, and economic issues to achieve sustainability of the apparel industry of Bangladesh. Faruque called on brands and retailers to be rational in terms of pricing to make the supply chain resilient and sustainable. Also read: BGMEA shares RMG success stories at IAF meeting There is a sharp disconnect between sustainability and pricing mechanisms, and the factories are investing more in safety and sustainability, he said. "Also, prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global supply chain have pushed up production costs in garment manufacturing. But prices are not being offered in line with that. The gap needs to be closed," said the BGMEA chief. Mohammad Hasan Arif, general manager of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, Selim Reza Hasan, country manager of Solidaridad Network Asia, Syed Naved Husain, group director of Beximco, and Dr Mohidus Samad Khan also attended the programme.

Bangladesh's electronics giant Walton's TV is receiving a good response from buyers in Romania. Walton has been exporting "Made in Bangladesh" TV to European countries such as Germany, Austria, Denmark, Slovakia, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Croatia as an original equipment manufacturer, according to the company. It started TV export to Romania under its brand name in April this year. READ: Walton compressor gets ACMI award "In Romania, there is a 1.5 million TV market a year, which is very competitive. KTN Technology, a well-known Romanian consumer electronics marketing company, has been marketing Walton TV as an authorised distributor. They are supplying Walton TVs to Romania's large chain and super shops as well as retail consumer electronics showrooms," Saeed Al Imran, vice-president of Walton's International Business Unit and also in charge of the Romanian market, said. KTN Technology plans to market 1 lakh units of Walton TV in Romania in 2021, he added. Read Walton Primo ZX4 Review with Price in Bangladesh "We have been exporting TV to the European market as an OEM for the last two years and have been able to expand it to 11 countries. So, Walton posted 10 times higher TV exports to Europe in 2020 than the previous year," Walton TV Chief Business Officer Engineer Mostafa Nahid Hossain said. "We are now working on expanding TV exports to 21 European countries this year, " he added. Read Walton, Walcart announce exclusive partnership Walton is exporting 'Made in Bangladesh' TV through more than 100 business partners in more than 35 countries, according to a press release.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has written to US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller drawing attention to a movie recently released on Netflix that contains "derogatory comments" about ‘Made in Bangladesh’. "We also request your steps to stop streaming the movie “Last Mercenary” on Netflix until the dialogue or the scene is removed from the movie," mentioned Hassan in his letter. Read:No alternative to mass vaccination of apparel workers: BGMEA As Netflix is a US company and run from the USA; BGMEA, on behalf of all apparel manufacturers and workers of Bangladesh, requested the Ambassador to convey their vehement protest to Netflix for releasing the movie without censoring the derogatory remarks about ‘Made in Bangladesh’. The significant progress Bangladesh RMG industry made over last few years in the areas of workplace safety, improved workers’ health, sustainable manufacturing and green revolution also largely owes to the support of the Embassy of the US in Dhaka, he mentioned. While Bangladesh RMG industry has achieved so much progress; when this contributed to rank Bangladesh the second in ‘Ethical Manufacturing’, only after Taiwan, in a survey recently conducted by Hong Kong based supply chain compliance solutions provider QIMA, said the BGMEA chief. "At a moment when Bangladesh’s RMG industry after addressing the safety concerns is leading green garment manufacturing in the world by examples; derogatory comments about ‘Made in Bangladesh’ in a newly released French movie “Last Mercenary” directed by David Charon has appalled us and shocked us all by surprise," he said. The comments in the movie say “Yes, Bulletproof Tuxedo, Made in France. I’d be dead if it were Bangladesh”. These comments are tantamount to belittling the hard work, dedication, quality and on time manufacturing commitment of the 4 million garment workers of Bangladesh who are delivering ‘Made in Bangladesh’ apparel to about 160 countries of the world, including the US, said the BGMEA chief. "We think these disrespectful remarks not only undermined the joint efforts made by Bangladesh RMG industry along with their development partners like the US which ensured progress and development that are being recognized internationally and receiving worldwide appreciations; but also dishonored the emotion of thousands of US consumers whose wardrobes are full with ‘Made in Bangladesh’ attires and many of which are their favorites," he said. Read: BGMEA issues guidelines on prevention of dengue, chikungunya The apparel manufacturers and workers of Bangladesh put all their dedications and commitments to supply apparel for the top global as well as US brands; and they take lot of pride in what they make, Hassan said. "This hard work and pride should be respected by all," said the BGMEA chief. He said the remarks have been also irrelevantly and irrationally juxtaposed in the movie as Bangladesh does not produce any ‘bullet-proof apparel’. "So, since its release on Netflix on July 30, 2021, the movie “Last Mercenary” has been hurting every lover and maker of the Made in Bangladesh," said the BGMEA chief. The BGMEA President also wrote a separate letter to Netflix CEO Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr. with the same request. He drew attention to French movie “Last Mercenary” directed by David Charon and released on Netflix on 30th July 2021; which BGMEA thinks contains "disrespectful and derogatory" comments about ‘Made in Bangladesh’ garments. "We think these disrespectful remarks not only undermined the joint efforts made by Bangladesh RMG industry along with its international development partners which ensured progress and development that are being recognized internationally and receiving worldwide appreciations; but also dishonored the emotion of millions of consumers worldwide whose wardrobes are full with ‘Made in Bangladesh’ attires and many of which are their favorites," he said. Read:BGMEA urges buyers to allow more shipping liners, off-docks The BGMEA President demanded that the dialogue from the scene of the movie that degrade garments ‘Made in Bangladesh’ to be expunged. "We are also requesting you being a responsible and reputable company to stop streaming  “Last Mercenary” on Netflix until the dialogue or the scene is removed from the movie," the letter reads.

Walton has crossed its export volume of 2020 in the first three months of the current year with "Made in Bangladesh" products even amid the Covid-19 pandemic.  "The huge export volume of Walton in the time of the pandemic conveys the message that we are on the right path of having a strong base in the global market," Walton Hi-Tech Industries Director SM Mahbubul Alam said. Read Walton AC records 450% sales growth during Jan-April Walton international business unit (IBU) President Edward Kim said: "We want to export Walton products worth Tk10 billion by 2024." Walton Hi-Tech Industries Chairman SM Nurul Alam Rezvi said: "We had a dream that Walton products would represent Bangladesh in the global market. And I believe Walton will become one of the top global brands with its continuous export growth." Read Walton brings new smart fridge with IoT, AI functionalities To celebrate its recent success, the company arranged a programme in the capital Tuesday where 10 Walton IBU officials received an award. The ten awardees were deputy executive directors Abdur Rouf, Roqibul Islam, Syed Al Imran and Tauseef Al Mahmud, Senior Operative Director Sheikh Mohammad Tanvir Hossain, first senior deputy directors Aminul Islam, Talelul Arifin Nadhvi and Ibna Jabel, Deputy Assistant Director Mohammad Sajib and First Senior Assistant Director Rafiqul Islam. Read Huawei posts 3.8% growth in 2020