Madhuban Cineplex announces closure

Madhuban Cineplex, a prominent entertainment destination in Bogura, has announced its closure, citing government negligence and a host of operational challenges.

The announcement came late Thursday night through an emotional post on the Cineplex's official Facebook page. The management expressed deep regret over the decision, stating that it had become impossible to continue operations under current circumstances.

In the statement, the authorities pointed to multiple contributing factors, including the government's lack of support for the film industry, a decline in audience turnout, a shortage of quality films, and the rising costs of electricity and maintenance.

“This was an extremely painful decision,” read the post. “A cinema hall is not just a business—it is a space for culture, emotion, and shared joy.”

The management also expressed heartfelt gratitude to audiences for their love and support throughout the years, calling it their greatest achievement.

As of filing this report, attempts to contact Madhuban Cineplex officials for further comment were unsuccessful.

The news triggered an immediate wave of reactions on social media, with many expressing concern over the state of the country’s cultural infrastructure.

One user, Sony Karmakar, wrote: “We are witnessing an ominous sign in the cultural arena. Hopefully, we will see brighter days soon.”

Another commenter, Sadekul Ahmed, questioned the timing of the closure: “I don’t understand—there were no losses before, and now suddenly there are? I just saw that Jessore’s Monihar cinema is also on the verge of shutting down!”

Madhuban’s journey began in 1969 when its foundation was laid in Bogura’s Chelopara area. Construction halted during the Liberation War, and the theatre finally opened in 1974 with the screening of the Bengali film Daku Mansur. Over the decades, the theatre saw several closures and reopenings.

Most recently, the facility was relaunched as Madhuban Cineplex on October 15, 2021, aiming to offer a modern movie-going experience. However, after nearly four years, the curtain is once again falling.