Amid increase in propaganda against Bangladesh’s interim government after the ouster of former Premier Sheikh Hasina Wajid, a petition has been moved in the High Court of Bangladesh seeking ban on the broadcast of all Indian TV channels in the country, citing provocative content that disrupts Bangladeshi cultural norms and influences young audiences.
Lawyer Ikhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, who filed the petition, told media that the matter is expected to be heard by a High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi.
The petition calls for directives under Section 29 of the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to prohibit the airing of Indian TV channels. It also seeks an explanation as to why a rule should not be issued for banning these channels in Bangladesh.
Bhuiyan stated that the secretaries of the Information Ministry and the Home Ministry, along with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and others, have been named as respondents in the case.
The petition identifies several popular Indian channels, including Star Jalsha, Star Plus, Zee Bangla, and Republic Bangla, as examples. It alleges that these channels broadcast provocative content and unregulated material that undermines Bangladeshi cultural values. “These channels are accused of airing content that conflicts with Bangladeshi culture and has a detrimental impact on the nation’s youth,” the petition claims.
The High Court is set to address the petition in coming days.
Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor