When will the lights come back on at five cineplexes damaged in July Uprising?

Five cineplexes were vandalised and looted during the July Uprising last year. More than a year later, none of them has been able to reopen. Narayanganj’s Gulshan Cineplex, Sirajganj’s Roots Cineclub, Rajshahi’s Star Cineplex, Natore’s Anando Cineplex and Chattogram’s Silver Screen were attacked last year. Of these, Rajshahi’s Star Cineplex and Natore’s Anando Cineplex remain untouched since the violence, while the other three have been repaired and are technically ready to screen films. But owners of the refurbished theatres say a lack of quality films, a slump in the cinema business, and security concerns are keeping them from bouncing back. Rais Uddin Ahmed Shaheen, managing director of Narayanganj’s Gulshan Cineplex, told Glitz: “Our hall has been closed since last August....