MUMBAI: In the sweltering heat of early August, Bangladesh found itself at the crossroads. The once-bustling streets of Dhaka were now battlegrounds, echoing with the cries of a populace yearning for change. The crescendo of protests reached its peak on 5 August 2024, when prime minister Sheikh Hasina, facing mounting unrest, sought refuge in India. Her departure marked a significant turning point, plunging the nation into further turmoil. The ensuing days were marred by intensified violence, with supporters of the Awami League becoming targets of widespread retribution. Amid smoldering buildings and shattered dreams, the mantle of leadership passed to Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, tasked with steering a country bruised and battered by its own internal strife.The nation stood on the precipice, its democratic aspirations hanging in the balance, as it grappled with the aftermath of a toppled regime and the quest for a new beginning.
Five months after this chaos, a writ petition has been filed in the Bangladesh High Court, calling for a ban on Indian television channels, citing their alleged negative impact on Bangladeshi society and culture. The petition, submitted by lawyer Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, demanded action under the Cable Television Network Operation Act, 2006, seeking to halt broadcasts of channels such as Republic Bangla, Star Jalsha, Star Plus, and Zee Bangla.
The petition highlights concerns over provocative news coverage and unregulated content that allegedly opposes Bangladeshi culture, claiming these broadcasts are ‘destroying the youth’ and contributing to a cultural disconnect. A hearing is expected to take place in the HC with justices Fatema Najib and Sikder Mahmudur Razi presiding over the matter.
The petition has named the information ministry, home ministry, and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) as respondents. It alleges that these Indian channels fail to adhere to regulatory norms and calls for a rule to ban them altogether.
This development comes amid rising concerns over minority safety in Bangladesh. Violent incidents, including attacks on Hindu communities, temple desecrations, and clashes in Chattogram, have sparked national and international outrage. In recent events, tensions escalated after the arrest of a former priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das and the hoisting of a saffron flag above the national flag in Chittagong, which further fueled unrest.
India has consistently urged Bangladesh's interim government to ensure the safety of minority groups and take appropriate steps to curb violence.
The petition reflects growing societal concerns about the influence of foreign media on Bangladeshi culture and the nation’s youth, potentially setting the stage for significant regulatory decisions regarding cross-border broadcasting.
