FDC is the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC)'s name in short to the masses addicted to local films. The heavily guarded complex near Karwan Bazar level crossing is forbidden to the public but just being near its gate alone is like a pilgrimage for many movie fanatics.

Most people gather there everyday with one common desire -- to catch a glimpse of their heroes or heroines when they enter or leave the BFDC. Some brave rain or the scorching sun to wait for hours at the entrance. With local films being the main source of recreation for the lower class, usually workers of garment factories, transport workers, rickshaw-pullers and other poor people dominate the daily visitors' list.

Humayun, a rickshaw-puller, was waiting to see his favourite heroine Shabnoor. "I do not start working before the evening. So I thought why not get some recreation and that is why I am here."

Most of the fans who come are young men but women arrive too. Amena came with her boyfriend hoping to get lucky.

"She wants to see her favourite hero Manna with her own eyes. She had been requesting me for a long time so I brought her here today," said Kamal, Amena's companion.

Unfortunately, Manna did not turn up at the BFDC that day and the couple went back after waiting for nearly three hours vowing to return again.

Raihan is a veteran at the BFDC's gate. He has seen almost all the heroes and heroines but never managed to get in to see the shooting of a film. Many people like Raihan arrive with the hope of watching a movie being made but they hardly ever get that opportunity due to the restrictions on entry.

But there are ways if you are really desperate. Some opportunist middlemen in collaboration with the security guards reportedly let in a few people every now and then. But the bribe is too much to afford for most.

"The 'agent' has asked for one thousand Taka but I do not have that much money. So I can not enter," said a dejected visitor Rafikul Islam.

One middleman claimed that they were able to manage one or two passes each day for interested fans but the cost is high.

The security guards of the BFDC try to discourage unwanted visitors by brandishing sticks and even chase people away at times. But the die-hard followers still come back.

"Ten people work here per shift and at least five of us are always busy in pushing people away as they often block the entrance," said Amir Hossain, a security guard of BFDC. He informed that the situation goes out of control every Friday. "There are ten times more than the usual number of fans on holidays."

Some young men and women come with the secret desire of somehow getting a break on the silver screen. Middlemen can be found active in negotiating deals with these unsuspecting young people and many eventually leave heartbroken and with empty pockets.

"I am confident that I can act. I just need a break," said Rubel with a twinkle in his eyes. "I am sure I would be able to draw the attention of a producer one day."

The BFDC only allows enlisted people, artists, technicians and workers to get inside its premises. For thousands of others who flock its entrance religiously every day, dreamland remains a dream for ever.