A writ petition has been filed in the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on the broadcast of Indian TV channels, citing growing concerns over their impact on Bangladeshi culture and society. The petition was filed by lawyer Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan on Monday, urging a directive under the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to prohibit these channels.
The petition specifically calls for a ban on channels like Star Jalsha, Star Plus, Zee Bangla, Republic Bangla, and other Indian TV networks. It alleges that provocative news and unregulated content airing on these channels are undermining Bangladeshi values, particularly among the youth.
The writ petition also questions why a formal rule should not be issued to enforce the ban. The hearing will take place before a High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi. Respondents in the petition include the secretaries of the Information Ministry, the Home Ministry, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and other relevant authorities.
Concerns over cultural influence come amid a surge in violence against minority communities in Bangladesh. The country has seen rising attacks against Hindus and other minority groups, particularly after the arrest of former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges in late October. Das was accused of hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong.
Tensions escalated in late November when a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of Das in Chattogram. The situation has sparked international concern, with India repeatedly urging Bangladesh to take stronger steps to protect minorities.
During a recent media briefing, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over rising extremist rhetoric and violence in Bangladesh. He called on the Bangladeshi government to take decisive actions to safeguard the rights and interests of minorities.
The petition and the ongoing tensions highlight the increasing scrutiny of foreign media content and its potential influence on the social and cultural fabric of Bangladesh.
এনেধৰণৰ অন্যান্য বা-বাতৰিৰ বাবে লাইক কৰক অসম লাইভ ২৪ ৰ ফেচবুক পেজ
