Mokammel said he was satisfied by the response the one-hour documentary "Karnaphulir Kanna" (Teardrops of Karnaphuli) got from students of films at the university on Saturday last.

"I am happy that the film drew so many questions after its screening," said the director who was here to attend a seminar of filmmakers, writers and journalists of South Asia last week.

The documentary shot extensively in Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) last year portrays the life of Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Mrung and other indigenous ethnic tribes in the Hill Tracts which had for long been rocked by insurgency under the banner of "Shanti Bahini".

One of the major grievances of the tribals had been the settlement of Bengali-speaking people from the plains in CHT, allegedly with tacit approval of Bangladesh government, which the ethnic groups felt would put pressure on their lifestyle and separate identity.

Mokammel said authorities in Bangladesh banned the movie in August last year on the ground that it would "affect social and political harmony".

The director, however, moved the Bangladesh high court challenging the ban and the court issued notice asking Bangladesh government on the matter.

Source: The Hindu