Nineteen films that have been selected for receiving Tk 12.15 crore grants from the government for the fiscal year 2021-22 on Wednesday. Ten films are receiving Tk 60 lakh each, four films Tk 65 lakh each and another four films Tk 70 lakh each. The Information Ministry published the list of the films and the amount of grant though a circular on Wednesday. A film directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury is getting the highest amount, which is Tk 75 lakh. Also read: Jennifer Lopez becomes Grameen America’s National Ambassador The films that are receiving the grants are—Joy Banglar Dhoni (Based on the 1971 Liberation War), Ekattor-Korotole Chinnomatha (Liberation War-based), Japito Jibon, Juddho Jibon, Banalata Sen, Otopor Rokeya, 1969, Bangabandhur Renu, Dodor Golpo, Bokul Kotha, Arji, Eito Jibon, Ahare Jibon, Ontorkhola, Bhashar Jonno Momotaz, Lal Shari, Bicharaloy, Maya and Muktir Chotogolpo. Short films that are receiving the grants are—Ekti Vorer Opekkhay (Film), Loknattya Proshongo O Dhamer Gaan (Documentary), Jol Toronger Gaan (Documentary), Athlete Sultana Kamal (Film), Bakita Itihash (Film) and Bamadesh (Film). Also read: Omar Sani comes live after Moushumi says “Zayed is a good boy"

The European Union (EU) has provided EUR 42 million or Tk 423 crore to the government of Bangladesh to support key national reforms in the education sector.  With this grant, the EU recognises and supports the government’s commitment to the development of human capital, the eradication of poverty and inequalities, along with its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka.  This is the second disbursement under the EU sector budget support ‘Human Capital Development Programme 2021’, which focuses on strengthening the education and skills sector of Bangladesh with specific focus on primary, as well as technical and vocational education and training.  Also read: EU launches TEI GET in Bangladesh to invest in renewable energy In line with the National Education Policy and National Skills Development Policy, the EU support aims to contribute to government of Bangladesh’s own reform agenda and institutional capacity towards a comprehensive education and skills development approach.  "Education is fundamental for the economic growth of a country and remains at the core of the EU's development cooperation. Reaping the maximum benefit of Bangladesh’s demographic dividend will largely depend on an inclusive and equitable quality Primary Education and Technical and Vocational Education system designed to cater to the future job market and employment generation,” said EU Ambassador Rensje Teerink. She said the EU is, however, concerned about the continued school closure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  "Once the pandemic situation allows it and when effective precautionary measures can be taken, the reopening of schools must proceed as soon as possible, in particular because access to alternative distant schooling solutions remains a challenge for a large number of students, especially the marginalized ones,” she added.  Also read: Germany to provide EUR 339.54 to Bangladesh under two deals The support programme to education reforms intends to provide a total of EUR 217 million as budget support linked to jointly-agreed performance indicators.  The programme addresses core elements of system strengthening and policy development.  Technical assistance is also available to support the cluster of institutions responsible to coordinate and deliver education reforms. The disbursement of this second payment comes after a positive decision of the Budget Support Steering Committee of the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development in May 2021.