(BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the incumbent government wants to repair the state and society anew.

"And in every phase of this repair, steps will be taken on the basis of national consensus with the participation of all the patriots," he said.

"We are not talking about this change just to come to power, but for a qualitative change in the state and social system," the information minister told the inaugural session of a conference here.

Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies arranged the `National Film Council Conference-2026` at Bangladesh Film Archive auditorium in Agargaon this morning.

Speaking as the chief guest, Swapon said in the 55-year history of Bangladesh, the country experienced both glorious stories and disasters.

"We want to create a connection between the knowledge of experts and the wisdom gained from that glorious and difficult experience," he said.

The minister said: "We know that it is not possible to ensure quality production unless we can effectively exchange views and connect ideas with experts in all related fields, including film."

Describing film as a powerful medium for social change, he said the state must stand by those who have abandoned the dream of becoming rich and joined the film movement only out of passion, patriotism and the desire for human welfare.

This `soft power` or the power of talent is urgent for the development of society and civilisation, he said.

Swapon said the government will work sincerely to create optimum opportunities for film workers within the rules and regulations of the state.

Calling upon film workers not to be slaves to any particular group or ideology, he said in the past, there was a sad experience of making the film a propaganda machine for a particular group under the cover of beautiful words.

But, he said, it is not possible for those, who are slaves to any group or ideology, to think freely.

Swapon urged all concerned to transform the film council movement into a truly independent and free-thinking body for social change, without making it a tool for any special behind-the-scenes remote control.

Eminent art critic and film scholar Moinuddin Khaled was conferred with lifetime achievement award at the event for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.

Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies President Dr Jahirul Islam Kochi presided over the event, while Bangladesh Film Archive Director General M Javed Iqbal spoke as special guest.

Representatives from different film societies of the country, filmmakers and researchers participated in the conference.