Bangladesh’s high court moved to seek ban on Indian TV channels

In light of the escalating propaganda against Bangladesh's interim government following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, a petition has been submitted to the High Court of Bangladesh requesting a ban on the transmission of all Indian television channels within the country.

The petition cites the provocative nature of the content as a threat to Bangladeshi cultural values and its influence on the youth.

Attorney Ikhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, who initiated the petition, informed the media that it is anticipated to be reviewed by a High Court panel consisting of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi.

The petition seeks directives under Section 29 of the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to prevent the broadcasting of Indian television channels.

Additionally, it requests clarification on why a rule should not be established to prohibit these channels in Bangladesh.

Bhuiyan has named the secretaries of the Information Ministry and the Home Ministry, as well as the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and others, as respondents in the case.

The petition specifically mentions several well-known Indian channels, such as Star Jalsha, Star Plus, Zee Bangla, and Republic Bangla, alleging that they air provocative and unregulated content that threatens Bangladeshi cultural integrity.

The petition asserts, “These channels are accused of broadcasting material that contradicts Bangladeshi culture and adversely affects the youth of the nation.”

The High Court is expected to consider the petition in the near future.