Dhaka stars stay off set

The cinema commands a massive following

By Daniel Lak in Dhaka

People who work in the film world in Bangladesh, including many actors and actresses, are demanding more protection from the police.

The stars went out on strike on after a brawl between actors and local people during a shooting on location in a village near Dhaka.

They say they will boycott movie sets until they get guarantees of safety.

Bangladesh may not have a film industry on the scale of Hollywood or India, but its actors and actresses are showing they're not to be taken lightly.

Finding space is a problem

Residents of Dhaka, long used to strikes and political protests, were treated to the sight of some of their favourite on-screen talent marching through the streets chanting slogans.

The actors even presented a petition to the government asking for guarantees of their safety while they filmed on location.

They say they will boycott film sets until they get what they want.

Brawl

The concerns of the stars arise out of a brawl with local people during a film shoot on Tuesday in a village near Dhaka.

Crowds of villagers were jostling to get a better look at their glamorous guests when a fight broke out.

The locals appear to have got the better of the film world's finest - a chase scene ensued, with villagers pursuing movie people and the set was burnt down.

It will be tough for the authorities to resist the stars' demands.

But in this intensely crowded country, finding the space to shoot an epic of the silver screen is proving increasingly difficult.

The worst thing for all concerned would be for local films to be shot abroad, especially in India, where the distinct identity of Bangladesh might be submerged in the overwhelming cultural tide of a larger neighbour.