HC To Hear Petition Seeking Ban On Broadcast Of Indian TV Channels

A petition has been filed at the High Court seeking an order to shut down the broadcast of all Indian TV channels operating within Bangladesh without approval from the relevant government ministries, in accordance with the regulations.

The petition is set to be heard by the High Court today, Wednesday (December 4), as confirmed by the petitioner's lawyer. 

On Tuesday (December 3), the bench comprising Justice Fatema Nazib and Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Razi issued the order regarding this matter. 

The petition was filed by Advocate Eklas Uddin Bhuiyan on behalf of Advocate Syeda Shaheen Ara Laily on December 2. The petition names the Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Director General of Bangladesh Television, and the Inspector General of Police as the respondents.

The petition references the Cable Television Network Operations Act of 2006, specifically sections 19 and 20, concerning restrictions on the broadcast of certain content.

Section 19 of the Act outlines which types of programs cannot be broadcast through cable television networks, including:

1. Programs that oppose the unity, independence, sovereignty, and ideals of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

2. Programs that oppose the fundamental principles of state governance or national policies.

3. Programs promoting violence, terrorism, hatred, or criminal activities.

4. Programs that contradict Bangladesh’s history, traditions, culture, social and religious values, national unity, or the country’s image.

5. Programs that harm national security or public interest.

6. Programs that could hurt the sentiments of any community or group in the country.

7. Programs that violate the Censorship of Films Act of 1963 or related rules.

8. Obscene or offensive programs involving vulgar jokes, gestures, dances, advertisements, dialogues, or subtitles.

9. Programs containing nudity, sexually suggestive content, or obscene actions.

10. Programs promoting disorder, violence, juvenile delinquency, or harmful cultural practices.

11. Programs that distort factual information.

12. Films or obscene programs that have been banned or censored by other laws.

13. Advertisements from foreign channels targeting Bangladeshi viewers.

14. Broadcasts of foreign channels’ programs targeting Bangladeshi viewers without government approval.

Lawyer Eklas Uddin Bhuiyan stated that the petition is seeking to stop the broadcast of all Indian TV channels due to the airing of provocative news and anti-Bangladesh cultural content. He emphasized that these programs are negatively impacting the youth and young society, promoting instability in households and contributing to issues like divorce. The petition also alleges that Indian channels are not following the law.

Section 20 of the Act allows the government to restrict or ban cable television network activities, either fully or partially, in the interest of the public.

According to Bhuiyan, many Indian TV channels are violating various sub-sections of the law, leading to the petition being filed to seek the suspension of their broadcasts.