Bangladesh Seeks Ban on Indian TV Channels Over Cultural Influence

Bangladesh has seen an increase in violent attacks against Hindus and other minority groups, prompting calls for more protection and support

Published on:

03 Dec 2024, 6:45 am

Bangladesh: According to Dhaka Tribune, a writ petition has been submitted to the Bangladesh High Court aiming to prohibit the airing of Indian TV channels in the country, due to rising worries about the impact of Indian media on Bangladeshi culture and society.

Lawyer Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, who filed the petition on Monday, is seeking a directive under the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to prohibit the broadcast of Indian TV channels.

It also asks why a rule should not be issued instructing a ban on Indian TV channels in Bangladesh, as per Dhaka Tribune.

Ban on Indian TV channels

Advocate Ekhlas Uddin Bhuyan, who filed the petition on Monday, has sought a direction under the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 to stop the broadcast of Indian TV channels.

It also asked why a regulation directing the imposition of a ban on Indian TV channels in Bangladesh should not be issued, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

High Court bench is Hearing the Application

The application is likely to come up for hearing before a bench of the High Court comprising Justices Fatima Najeeb and Sikdar Mahmudur Razi.

The petition has named the Ministry of Information and the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and others as respondents.

According to Dhaka Tribune, the petition has sought a ban on Star Jalsa, Star Plus, Zee Bangla, Republic Bangla and all other Indian TV channels.

The plea alleged that provocative news was being aired on Indian channels and uncontrolled telecast of content opposing Bangladeshi culture was destroying the youth.

Allegations Made

Further, it has been alleged that these channels operate without following any regulations.

Bangladesh has seen an increase in violent attacks against Hindus and other minority groups, prompting calls for more protection and support.

Violence against minority communities in Bangladesh is on the rise, with temples being destroyed, following the hoisting of the saffron flag atop Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25 and the arrest of former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on charges of sedition.