HC orders report on permits for airing Indian TV channels

The High Court has asked for reports on whether cable networks in Bangladesh have permission to broadcast Indian television channels.

The vacation bench of Justices Sheikh Hassan Arif and Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman gave the order on Thursday after hearing a writ petition which sought a ban on airing Indian channels.

The petitioner and association of cable television operators have been orally directed to submit the report before next Tuesday.

Md Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan was representing the petitioner while Abdul Matin Khasru argued for the operators.

“The network people told court they have permission to air the channels and have been paying fees in the bank,” Bhuiyan told bdnews24.com.

The court then asked both parties to produce affidavits and mention if any approvals have been granted.

If yes, the names of those who have approval should be listed. The documents should also say if payments have been made to the Bangladesh Bank, said Bhuiyan.

The plea filed on Aug 7 by one Shahin Ara Laily sought a rule asking why broadcast of Indian channels should not be banned in Bangladesh.

It also pleaded the High Court to have Star Jalsha, Zee Bangla and Star Plus taken off air in seven days.