Bangladesh army blocks release of first Chakma feature film 'Mor Thengari'. The film was critical of Bangladesh army's role and human rights violations in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Bangladesh army blocks Chakma language film 'Mor Thengari'

‘Mor Thengari’ (‘My Bicycle’) is the first feature film made entirely in Chakma language. Directed by Aung Rakhine, the film centers around indigenous people, particularly the Chakma community. However, ‘My Bicycle’ will not see a commercial release inside Bangladesh because it did not make it past the country’s censor authorities.

‘My Bicycle’ was conceived of 10 years ago and finally produced by Pandolipi Karkhana, who managed to find 30 financiers. Filming began in 2012. The film tells the story of an indigenous man named Komol who is fired from a job in a city and returns to his native village with only a bicycle. Komol tries to make a living by using the bicycle to ferry passengers and goods, but runs into trouble with others in the village.

The 63 minutes long independent film was entirely shot in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where most Chakmas live. Rather than using professional actors, Chakmas were cast in all leading roles. Komol Moni Chakma’s portrayal of the lead character and Indira Chakma’s role as his wife Devi were highly acclaimed by viewers and critics alike. The film draws attention to people’s language, cultural and political rights, highlighting the fact that the indigenous languages are struggling for their existence.

Hindi language movies are released in Bangladesh, but this movie was censored only because it was made in Chakma language.

However, it is likely that language was not the only barrier. ‘My Bicycle’ was censored due to its unfavourable portrayal of Bangladesh army.

After the film was shown in several festivals, the armed forces took notice and lodged a 14 page long complaint that the film showed the activities of the army. The issue of armed forces rule in the hill tracts is a sensitive issue, people may know the truth.

In representing the lives of the Chakma people, ‘My Bicycle’ also touches on the human rights violations committed by the Bangladesh army in the Chittagong Hill tracts.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts have long seen presence of armed forces due to the political conflict and armed struggle between the Government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (United People’s Party of the Chittagong Hill Tracts). Although Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord is in effect since 1997, Bangladesh army and Muslim settlers did not withdraw from Chittaong Hill Tracts. Bangladesh army and Muslim settlers commit frequent human rights violations against the idigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Without the approval of the censor board no film can be screened inside Bangladesh. However, they can still be screened abroad in different festivals, and the film has received some international recognition once it was screened at the 2015 Religion Today Film Festival on 9-19 October 2015 in Italy and at the 16th Rainbow Film Festival in the United Kingdom.

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This story was commissioned by Freemuse, the leading defender of musicians worldwide, and Global Voices for Artsfreedom.org. The original article was authored by Pantha Rahman Reza, Freemuse and Global Voices.