Writ filed seeking ban on Indian TV channels

A writ petition has been submitted to the High Court seeking directives to halt the broadcast of all Indian television channels operating within Bangladesh.

Supreme Court lawyer Eklas Uddin Bhuiyan filed the petition on behalf of Advocate Syeda Shaheen Ara Laily at the High Court's relevant branch on Sunday (December 1).

The petition lists the Secretary of the Ministry of Information, the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as respondents.

Confirming the development to Jago News, the petitioner’s lawyer stated that the hearing on the writ petition is expected to take place before a dual bench of the High Court later this week.

The writ petition cites Section 29 of the Cable Television Network Operation Act, 2006, requesting a ban on all Indian TV channels in the country. It also seeks a rule asking why directives should not be issued to stop their broadcast in Bangladesh.

Eklas Uddin said, “We have requested a ban on all Indian TV channels. Provocative news is being aired on these channels. Moreover, programmes that contradict Bangladeshi cultural values are being broadcast freely, leading to the moral degradation of youth and young adults. Watching Indian serials has caused unrest in households, including incidents of domestic disputes and divorces.”

He further added, “These channels are not complying with any laws. Hence, a complete ban on their broadcast has been sought.”