Bangladesh: Ban Indian TV Channels, Demands Petition Before High Court

A petition in Bangladesh High court has urged the court to ban broadcast of Indian TV channels in the country. A report in Dhaka Tribune has said that the petition has expressed concerns about impact Indian media is having on Bangladesh's society and culture. The petition has been filed by Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, a lawyer.

The petition is reportedly seeking directive under the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to restrict airing of Indian channels. The petition has even called for a rule banning broadcast of Indian TV channels in Bangladesh, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Hearing on the petition is yet to take place.

Reports in Bangladeshi media have said that the petition wants ban on channels like Star Jalsha, Star Plus, Republic Bangla, Zee Bangla among others.

The petitioner has said that news coverage of Indian news channels and its unregulated broadcast in Bangladesh is hurting culture of the country as well as its youth. The petition alleges that Indian news channels do not adhere to regulations.

Troubled Situation

Bangladesh is witnessing troubled situation inside the country since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country. Though an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunous is in power, it has faced criticism for attacks on religious minorities including Hindus in the country.

Another burning topic is arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu. He is an influential religious figure in Bangladesh and is facing sedition charges over alleged disrespect to Bangladesh's national flag. He was arrested on November 25 and presented in court on November 26. Violence broke out when he was denied bail on the same day and an assistant public prosecutor was killed.