By Sanjana Saba

Country’s 100 crore entertainment industry has been closed down for corona fear leaving over 500 entertainers almost idle as well over 5000 technicians jobless.

Program schedule of over two dozens entertainment events has been postponed and other planned programmers have call for suspended during the last one week in the capital Dhaka. Enayetuls Islam, one of the manger of Antar Showbiz, country’s top entertainment event management company said they have called off two big events one at Hotel Sonargaon and another at Hotel Radisson this week.

“It is really unfortunate that we have invested a huge amount of money for the events. We paid performers signing money, booked venue,. Wh have to face huge financial losses due to suspension of the events,” he added.

Like Antar Showbiz Ayath Event, Scintilla Limited, Star Event also facing the same experience in the current peak season.

Sources said film industry also facing the same problem, owing to the rapidly spreading coronavirus.

Shooting schedules of several undergoing films have been postponed and the release dates of many anticipated films have been pushed back over public health concerns.

The releases of Shoshurbari Jindabad 2, directed by Debashish Biswas and Sujan Barua directorial Bandhob have been postponed.

Both these films were supposed to hit cinemas on March 20. “Prioritising public health over everything else, we have taken the decision,” explained Debashish.

Masud Hasan Ujjal’s Unoponchash Batash, which was set to hit cinemas on March 13, has also been pushed back. However, as of now, Chayanika Chowdhury’s Bishwo Shundori, is set to release on March 27 in 60 theatres. Shahriar Nazim Joy has also postponed the release of his directorial debut Amar Maa, from March 20 to April 10.

“We are running out of business for a long time. Now, as the coronavirus has turned into a major public health concern, we are afraid to launch new films in theatres,” asserts Ifthekharuddin Naushad, owner of Modhumita.