98th Academy Awards: Bangladesh sends ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ to compete in International Feature Film Category

Bangladesh has joined the list of nations announcing their contenders for the 98th Academy Awards.  At a press conference at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka this morning, the Bangladesh Oscar Committee declared Leesa Gazi's film "Barir Naam Shahana" (A House Named Shahana) as the country's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category.  

The press conference was presided over by Dr Mohammad Zahirul Islam, chair of the Bangladesh Oscar Committee and president of the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies. Jury members Sajjad Sharif and Shahreen Akter Sumi joined him on stage.  The announcement confirmed that "Barir Naam Shahana" would represent Bangladesh at the 98th Oscars.  

The Bangladesh Oscar Committee reviewed five shortlisted films—"Barir Naam Shahana", "Nakshi Kanthar Jamin", "Priyo Maloti", "Saba", and "Mayna" --before announcing its final nomination.

After reviewing the five submissions, the committee concluded that "Barir Naam Shahana" best captures Bangladeshi cinema's artistic maturity and social relevance. Chairperson Dr Zahirul Islam explained that the panel spent weeks debating the merits of each film before making the final decision.  According to him, "For the last month we have been on this so that we can make the right decision." 

'Barir Naam Shahana'

"Barir Naam Shahana" is the debut feature of Leesa Gazi, a Bangladeshi‑born British writer and filmmaker.  The film adapts Gazi's 2011 novella and is set in a rural Bangladeshi town in the 1990s.  The story follows Dipa, a divorced woman who returns to her parental home and confronts social stigma and patriarchal expectations .  Critics have praised the film for its layered storytelling and unflinching portrayal of forced marriage and gender inequality.  The film has already travelled through international festivals, earning recognition for its feminist message and strong performances .

Under the Academy's rules, official submissions must be released theatrically in their home country between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, with the final submission deadline on October 1, 2025. Bangladesh's selection arrives just ahead of that deadline, and with Barir Naam Shahana the country aims to join the international conversation on gender equality and social change.