BANGLADESH INTERNATIONAL MEDIA AWARDS
(15 June 2005)

Some of the biggest stars from the Bangladesh film and music industries congregated at London's Wembley Grand Hall to celebrate the annual Bangladesh International Media Awards. Celebrity guests included comedy duo, Nana-Nati, renowned singers Sabina Yasmin, Ayub Bacchu, Kaniz Suborna, Kumar Bishwajhit, and Dallywood screen idols Shabnoor, Ferdous and Mahfuz as well as top models Nobel, Tisha and Srabonti. Alaur Rahman, Himangsho Goswami and Gauri Chowdhury were a few of the British based perfomers at the event.

The show was opened with a rock track cover version of Azam Khan's 'Bangladesh' song and a spectacular fireworks display. In between the awards presentation, the crowd were treated to live performances by pop starlet Kaniz Suborna, Tanya Tanzin, Shelim Chowdhury, the sensational Baby Naznin and legendary artists Sabina Yasmin and Kumar Bishwajhit.

Top comedy duo Nana-Nati left the audience in stitches with their hilarious anecdotes and funny antics. As an extra treat, the models and actors also performed on the night. Nobel and Tisha performed a dance piece. Mahfuz and Srabonti's theatrical mini drama presented in the Sylheti dialect was well received by the crowd. Screen idols Ferdous and Shabnoor performed a mixed parody filmi-piece. The two final awards for Achievement in Music went to UK-ased singer Himangsho Goswami and Bangladesh singing legend Sabina Yasmin. Sabina said: "I am delighted to win such a prestigious award. I am touched by the loyalty of my fans in Britain and am pleased to have participated in this important ceremony."

As well as the 25 awards presented annually, the Salman Shah Memorial Award was also introduced at this year's show. Salman Shah originated from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh, and passed away nine years ago. Shahed Ali, Founder and Producer of the BIMA said: "This special award has been set up in memory of the popular film actor whose career was cut short by tragic circumstances. We hope to keep alive the memory of the talented actor by presenting this memorial award annually to chosen charities working with disadvantaged groups in Bangladesh."

AWARD WINNERS

Best Pop Singer Male - Ayub Bacchu
Best Pop Singer Female - Kaniz Suborna
Best Audio Singer Male - Kumar Bishwajhit
Best Audio Single Female - Momtaz
Best Male Model - Nobel
Best Female Model - Tisha
Best TV Actor Male - Mahfuz Ahmed
Best TV Actor Female - Aupy Karim
Best Playback Singer Male - Subir Nandi
Best Playback Singer Female - Babgy Naznin
Best Actor Film Male - Ferdous
Best Actor Film Female - Shabnoor
Best Comedy Act - Nana-Nati
Best Singer Male (UK) - Alaur Rahman
Best Singer Female (UK) - Guari Chowdhury
Best Actor Male (UK) - Hafiz
Best Actor Female (UK) - Nipa
Best TV Drama (UK) - Shomardhana
Best Baul Singer (UK) - Akkas Ali
Best TV Advert Personality - Iqbal Bahar
TV Advert Production (UK) - Medialink
Best Bangla Newspaper - Janomat
Best Bangla Radio: Sunrise Radio Bangla Section
Achievement in Music (UK): Himangsho Goswami
Achievement in Music (Bangladesh) - Sabina Yasmin

The Bangladesh International Media Awards (BIMA) are organised by Global Arts Village, a non-profit making community organisation. It is a celebration of Bangladeshi film, TV and music and recognises the talents of actors, musicians and models in both the UK and Bangladesh. The event will be broadcast by NTV to viewers in other parts of Europe, as well as in Bangladesh, USA, UAE, Australia, Canada and North Africa. UK viewers will also be able to watch the show on Channel S - Sky Channel 837 in the near future.

Shahed Ali said: "It is the only awards ceremony of its kind and it provides British Bangladeshis with a much needed platform from which they can celebrate their rich cultural heritage. I always want to give people the best in entertainment. As promised, I brought over musicians from Bangladesh because I believe a concert has to have live music. The people expect to hear their favourite singers singing for them live and not just miming to CD and tape recordings."