A writ petition has been recently filed in the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on the broadcast of Indian television channels, citing concerns over their negative influence on Bangladeshi culture and society.
Lawyer Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, who submitted the petition on Monday, urges the court to issue a directive under the Cable Television Network Operation Act of 2006 to prohibit Indian channels. The petition also questions why a formal rule should not be established to ban these broadcasts in Bangladesh.
The case is expected to be heard by a High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi. The Information Ministry, the Home Ministry, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), among others, have been named as respondents in the case.
Channels Targeted
The petition specifically calls for a ban on popular Indian channels such as Star Jalsha, Star Plus, Zee Bangla, Republic Bangla, and other Indian networks. It alleges that these channels broadcast “provocative news” and content that contradicts Bangladeshi cultural values, leading to adverse effects on the country’s youth.
Additionally, the petition claims that these networks operate without proper regulatory oversight, further exacerbating the situation.
Rising Tensions and Violence
This legal move comes amidst a backdrop of escalating violence against minority communities in Bangladesh. Recent attacks on Hindu temples have raised concerns, particularly after the arrest of former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges. He was accused of hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25.
Tensions escalated further on November 27 when a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and Das’s alleged followers in the Chattogram Court Building area.
India’s Response
India has repeatedly expressed concern over the rising violence and extremist rhetoric in Bangladesh. During a recent media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue, stating:
“We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric, and increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities and safeguarding their interests.”
The situation has drawn international attention, with both countries under pressure to address the safety and rights of minority communities in Bangladesh.
