MUMBAI: In a welcome sign, the Bangladeshi High Court has lifted the 39-year old ban on Indian film exhibition in the country.

Expressing his happiness at the move of the Bangladeshi High Court, producer Mukesh Bhatt said, "That‘s great news! This move will provide a death knell to the pirates there who make merry by selling the latest Bollywood fare."

"We were always of the view that there should be mutual coordination between all SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan Maldives and Nepal). Bangladesh and India can be of good use to each other by mutual coordination. Who knows, one day we might see a joint Indo-Bangla film being rolled out," Bhatt added.
 
After Eid-Ul-Fitr festival that ends on 10 September, cinemas in Bangladesh will start screening Indian films. This will start with the release of three Bengali films - Jour, Badla and Sangram, that are currently awaiting approval from the Bangladesh Censor Board.

Later, Bollywood‘s biggest hits including Sholay, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Dhoom:2, Don, Wanted and 3 Idiots would be exhibited.

The Bangladesh Cinema Halls Owners Association has welcomed the move by saying that the Court‘s decision was "the best thing to have happened" to the country‘s cinemas. Cinema hall owners have expressed hope that they would be able to start showing new Indian films shortly.